
Iljjearl of] % j^auionr. 



THE 



LIFE OF JESUS 



The Messiah. 

A SACRED POEM. 

[illustrated] 



By ALBERT WELLES. 



" At Thy nativity, a glorious choir 

Of Angels in the fields of Bethlehem sung 

To Shepherds watching at their folds by night, 

And told them the ' Messiah ' now was born." 

— Milton. 



New York. 



E. Hoyt, Printer, 58 John Street. 
1874. 




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'Ait is the expression of the ideal and the natural combined. Religion is an expression 
of the pure ideal. This ideal (the idea, the word and the written word,) transmitted from 
the Hebrew Seers and Prophets, became, embodied in the Saviour, an expression oPall 
beauty, grace and love." C. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1873, by Albert Welles, in the office 
of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



published by 

"WELjIjES, 
67 University Place, 
NEW YORK. 



2ci EDITION 

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



THE DAWN OF CHILDHOOD, 
INVOCATION TO CHRISTMAS. 
PEOPHETIC OF THE SAVIOUR. 
THE ANNUNCIATION. 
THE MARRIAGE OF THE VIRGIN. 

[From the. Sacred Traditions. ] 
THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST. 
THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. 
THE STAR OF BETHLELEM. 
ADORATION OF THE MAGI. 
THE INFANCY OF JOHN. 
THE PREACHING OF JOHN. 
THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST. 
THE FAST IN THE WILDERNESS. 
CHRIST HEALING THE SICK. 
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. 
JESUS WITH THE FATHER. 
RAISING OF DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS. 
TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST. 
CHRIST BLESSTNG CHILDREN. 
JESUS IN THE CORN FIELD. 
CHRIST CLEANSING THE TEMPLE. 
DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM FORETOLD. 
JESUS RAISING THE WIDOW'S SON. 
JESUS RAISING LAZARUS. 
THE LAST SUPPER. 

CHRIST'S PRAYER AFTER THE SUPPER. 
THE BETRAYAL OF JESUS. 
JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 
CHRIST BEARING THE CROSS. 
THE CRUCIFIXION. 
CHRIST'S DEATH ON THE CROSS. 
CHRIST'S DESCENT FROM THE CROSS. 
THE BURIAL OF CHRIST. 
THE RESURRECTION. 

CHRIST APPEARING TO HIS DISCIPLES. 
JESUS AT EMMAUS. 
CHRIST AN THE TIBERIAN SEA. 
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS. 
THE DEATH OF THE VIRGIN MARY. 

[From the Sacred Traditions.] 
THE PUBLIC MIND IN REGARD TO THE FIRST 
EDITION. 



THE DAWN OF CHILDHOOD. 



The waking of childhood, like flowers of wildwood, 

Sheds about them a radiant joy ; 
Their bright jocund faces a halo embraces, 

Showing happiness free from alloy. 

The ray of the morning, their features adorning, 

Comes soft stealing into their room, 
And to wake them from sleeping it gives the first peeping— 

They awake as a rose bursts to bloom. 

Thus Aurora comes creeping where children lie sleeping, 

And gently pries open their eyes ; 
Then hovering o'er them, her light is betore them, 

And happy as Angels they rise. 

They have slept through the night, they now rise to the light, 

And seem to have come from above ; 
The Angels have told them, that all who behold them, 

Shall gaze with affection and love. 

There's no picture on earth that can ever give birth 

To such thoughts as arise from this scene ; 
The smiles on their faces expel all the traces 

Of sorrow, where trouble has been. 

When on childhood we gaze, our Redeemer we praise. 

Who hath sent us these emblems of love ; 
That their bright presence brings only Heavenly things, 

Is the proof that they came from above. 

Let all parents take heed that such preachers they need, 

And that children as blessings are given ; 
Ever cherish the thought that by Christ they are taught 

That " of such is the kingdom of Heaven." 



INTRODUCTION. 



The ineffable tenderness of Christ's love for little children has ever been the theme of the 
mother's lullaby ; and His example has been followed to this day ; inasmuch as no man of heart 
can witness their jocund faces, and list to the music of their song and laughter, without feeling 
such love for them, and recalling Ids own " sunny days of childhood." 

Almost the yearning tenderness of the mother, is felt by every beholder of joyous groups of 
children. Infant schools are always filled with music. The halo shed around the " Infant Je- 
sus" has furnished the subject of the greatest number of valuable paintings in the world. Every 
mother believes that the smiles of sleeping infants come from Angels. 

" In early ages all great events were either chanted or sung. Bards preceded Historians and 
Prose writers." — Sear's National Quarterly Review. 

Doves, lambs and children are always ranged together by sacred writers. "The Lamb of 
God who taketh away the sin of the world," says John the Baptist. Christ compared children 
with the lily as the purest flower. Children, lambs, and lilies were in Christ's mind as emblems 
of purity. The prophet says, " Unto us a child is born. The Evangelist says, " The child 
Jesus." 

" Teachers are the rarest men in the world. One year's tuition at the hands of a teacher called 
by God to teach, will be worth to your child five years spent under any other school influence." 
— Independent . 

Poetry is the native tongue of childhood, also of nations in their infancy. Every subject is 
more easily and readily comprehended and of more lasting interest when clothed in poetic lan- 
guage. " The lays of childhood outlast everything else." If the rhythm be smooth and harmo- 
nious the sense and sentences become imperceptibly fixed in the mind, so that we unconsciously 
find ourselves mentally repeating couplets, and sometimes whole verses, which have been heard 
but once or twice. Homer, the father of poets, who wrote over two thousand five hundred years 
ago, is quoted to-day. "The major part of the Old Testament and considerable of the New, con- 
sists of prose translations from sublime and inspired poetry." 

I have therefore written the Life of Jesus in rhyme for young readers, and I hope its interest 
and authenticity will obtain for it a genial reception. 

This poem was written wholly from the gospels, where the Evangelists have each left their 
biographies of their beloved Master. 

The youthful reader finds it impossible to trace the clear stream of narrative in the four 
Gospels. The Saviour's life is only presented in a fragmentary manner. I have tried to over- 
come this difficulty, by making the narrative clear, because continuous, and for this reason itmay 
be used in any family or school, for the instruction of the young. 

It being simply the Life of Jesus, I have not felt called upon to write any commentary. 

ALBERT WELLES. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH 

INVOCATION-CHRISTMAS. 



Hail ! glorious morn, that saw the Saviour's birth, 
Once more thou art renewed throughout the earth. 
With thee, our holiest thoughts should ever rise, 
For thou didst bring a Herald from the skies. 

This day our thoughts retrace the steps of time, 

And take us back to old Judea's clime. 

We see again that bright heraldic star 

Which first was seen by " wise men" from afar. 

We stand beneath its radiance ; at the feet 
Of Mary's Holy Child, the wise men meet ; 
And with their precious gifts our hearts we give ; 
For He hath ta'en our sins and bid us live. 

We see the shepherds too, by angels led, 
Who came to worship at His lowly bed. 
We hear their shouts of praise to God arise, 
Who sent His Son in Glory from the skies. 

He was the world's Messiah, sent to all ; 
For all had sinned and suffered in the fall. 
He came not to condemn, He came to show 
Salvation's ways to all men here below. 

Let every heart this day full tribute bring, 
And praise, in anthems, to th' Redeemer sing. 
Let every land in songs of praises join, 
And thus the love of Christ in all combine. 

Now He has gone and sits at God's right hand, 
But still He calls His flock from every land. 
His parting words still ring in every clime : 
" Lo ! I am with you to the end of time." 






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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

PROPHETIC. 



In the world's ancient time when Melchizedek reigned, 
By God was the promise through Abram ordained ; 
Thus from the first founding of God's chosen race, 
Was Messiah appointed the Herald of Grace. 
And in times far remote, by the prophets of old, 
Was the birth of the Saviour to nations foretold. 

This promise, through Isaac, to Jacob made known, 
Was by him to the twelve tribes of Israel shown. 
It declared that the sceptre through Judah should hold 
Till the Shiloh should come, and His mission unfold; 
That through David the King should Messiah descend, 
When the old Jewish priesthood should come to an end. 

Many things in those days were in mystery dark, 
Aaron's rod and the manna were kept in the ark 
With the Decalogue, written on tables of stone, 
Which God had to Moses on Sinai made known. 

And when Aaron his brother was made the High Priest, 
By the care of this Ark were his duties increased. 
Thus the Jewish religion, in Aaron first known, 
By a long line of priesthood, through ages was shown. 

Also prophets, who lived in the times of the Kings, 
Very often proclaimed the most curious things; 
And though in weird language the truth was concealed, 
The coming of Christ by them all was revealed. 

By David and Solomon, Christ was declared, 
And thus for his coming the Jews were prepared; 
But the time of His advent was shrouded in mystery, 
Though since become known in his wonderful history. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Generations of Judges and long lines of Kings ^ 
Stern war's desolations ; captivity's stings ; 
Restoration by Cyrus ; their city reclaimed ; 
All these were foretold, and in history famed. 

Yet in all their vicissitudes, glory and pride. 

Their faith in Messiah had never once died ; 

But they looked for a King who in splendor should rise, 

And the power of all other kingdoms despise ; 

Whose dominion and majesty, ruling o'er earth, 

Of their fame and their power should prove the new birth. 

Those portions of Scripture which told of His Glory, 
They cherished with care, but unheeded the story 
Which told that their Christ should be humble in lot, 
And that most of his life would be spent in a cot ; 
That the place of His advent would be handed down, 
And would make His appearance in Bethlehem town. 



The Jewish religion, through long lapse of years, 
Having lost all its spirit, had nothing but fears 
Of the people that priests still had power to harm ; 
And thus their religion had little but form. 

Whilst temples existed, and priests held their sway, 
And all went to worship on God's Sabbath day, 
No thought of eternity troubled their rest, 
For still their religion was truest and best. 

And whilst incense and sacrifice, offered by priest, 
Was maintained in their temples, delusion increased ; 
And the whole heathen world, with their idols of stone, 
Were as worthy God's favor as Jews who had none. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

The Jews had grown arrogant, knowing their race 
Had been chosen of God for the smiles of His face ; 
There wss no other nation, with whom he had walked, 
And with none but their Abram and Moses had talked. 

Whilst all other nations in darkness were sunk, 
The tree of religion had Jews for its trunk ; 
But the tree had grown old, many limbs were decayed, 
And its- branches no longer gave shelter and shade. 

The Jews in their worship had long understood 
That this world and its benefits were their chief good. 
Of a future existence, they scarce ever thought, 
For their priests, of eternity, little had taught. 

Their records and archives, for ages preserved, 
Showed that incense and sacrifice must be observed ; 
And yet while the smoke from their altars arose, 
Deserted by God, they were crushed by their foes. 

After seventy years in captivity passed, 

They returned to their home in Judea at last. 

Reduced to a province, they struggled no more, 

Yet continued their sacrifice just as before; 

For their victors, though heathen, still left them quite free 

To preserve their religion, whate'er it might be. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE ANNUNCIATION, 



The Hebrew race from Abraham, 

Through many centuries passed, 
In which they lost all fear of God ; 

The time had come at last, 
When he might his great plan perfect, 

By which they might be saved, 
And his forgiveness substitute 

For all the laws they braved. 

The story by the prophets told, 

And seers of ancient time, 
Was that a Saviour would appear, 

And in Judea's clime ; 
That he should save mankind from sin — 

The world's Messiah prove, 
And in their stead, the law fulfill, 

In his divinest love. 

To Nazareth of Galilee, 

The Angel Gabriel came, 
From God the Father's Heavenly Realms, 

Glad tidings to proclaim. 
He was a Messenger from Heaven, 

The Saviour to announce, 
That God's instruction might be given — 

Man's destiny pronounce. 

He sought a little hamlet 

Where a Jewish maiden dwelt, 
And Mary though she saw him not, 

His coming presence felt. 
Whilst kneeling in her little home, 

Her tender eyes upraised, 
A glorious brightness filled the room, 

And Mary was amazed. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

m " Hail ! blessed Mary," Gabriel said, 

" The Lord is now with thee : 
Above all other woman kind, 

His favors thou shalt see. 
Of all earth's daughters thou alone, 

Art chosen by his love, 
To bear the Emanation 

From the Holy Throne above. 

" And Jesus, thou shalt call his name, 

And great his name shall be, 
O'er all the earth he shall be called 

' The son of Deity.' 
The Lord above shall unto him 

The throne of David give, 
And as the King of Israel, 

He shall forever live." 

Then Mary said, " Behold in me, 

The handmaid of the Lord; 
And be it also unto me, 

According to thy word." 
Then, as she humbly bowed her head, 

Her hands laid o'er her face, 
The Angel Gabriel passed away, 

And sacred was the place. 

Then Mary, by the spirit moved, 

Soon after went abroad, 
To tell her cousin Elizabeth 

The message from the Lord. 
And when she saw her coming near, 

She cried, " How can this be, 
That Mary, mother of the Lord, 

Thus cometh unto me ? " 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Then Mary, who with Elizabeth, 

Was now in full accord, 
Replied, " My soul within me now, 

Doth magnify the Lord • 
My spirit also hath rejoiced, 

In God my Saviour dear ; 
For he did heed the low estate 

Of his handmaiden here. 

" By generations from henceforth, 

My name shall blessed be ; 
For he that ever mighty is, 

Great things hath done to me; 
And holy, holy, is his name, 

His memory is on them 
Who fear to wound his precious love, 

He never will condemn. 

" In olden time he showed his strength, 

And mighty was his arm, 
The proud he scattered to the winds, 

When they imagined harm, 
The mighty from their seats brought down, 

When wicked was their race, 
And those who were of low degree 

Exalted in their place. 

" The hungry with good things he filled, 

The rich he sent away, 
His servant Israel he hath helped, 

In mercy day by day ; . 
To Abraham our Father spake, 

When in his greatest need, 
And from that time his mercies were 

Vouchsafed unto his seed." 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

MARRIAGE OF THE VIRGIN, 



But fourteen summers o'er her head had rolled — 
As, by the ancient legends, we are told — 
When Mary — who for many years had dwelt 
Within the temple, and no wish had felt 
To follow in the custom of her race, 
And, as a wife and mother take her place ; 
For she, herself had dedicated to the Lord, 
And no desire had felt to go abroad. 

'Twas at this time the High Priest had ordained 
That Mary, who her full time had attained, 
Should to her home return in Galilee, 
And there, by marriage, make her destiny. 
To this injunction Mary did protest, 
As she no wish for marriage had professed ; 
Then boldly to the High Priest she declared, 
That to maintain her vow she was prepared. 

By this refusal was the priest perplexed, 

And pondered o'er the means he should use next ; 

And then he prayed to God, to bring in view 

The plan of action which he might pursue. 

An angel came in answer to his prayer, 

And said that all the men should gather there ; 

Men marriageable, sprung from David's line, 

With each man's rod, the case they might divine. 

The men were called, and to the Temple went, 
And Joseph, who did not his rod present, 
For he was old and did not think it right — 
As he had children — marriage to invite. 
The rest their rods presented, but in vain, 
That none of them could Mary have was plain ; 
The absence of the sign was ascertained, 
When Joseph his strange conduct had explained. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Now Joseph was constrained, and did present 
His rod, and thus complied with their intent. 
Then quickly to their sight a sign was given ; 
A dove appeared as messenger from heaven. 
On Joseph's rod the dove first came in view, 
Then from the rod, upon his head it flew ; 
The Heavenly dove the Temple flew about; 
The sign was so important, none could doubt. 

Now, malgre his reluctance he must yield, 

And gave consent, though he his thoughts concealed ; 

And though a second marriage Joseph loathed 

He to the virgin Mary was betrothed. 

The scene of the betrothal soon was o'er 

And then the company all left the floor : 

To Bethlehem, his home, soon Joseph went ; 

And to her parents' house was Mary sent. 

A new veil for the Temple was required, 
And seven virgins to the task aspired ; 
Each one a portion was enjoined to make, 
And spin at home what she might undertake. 
It chanced the purple fell to Mary's lot, 
And she prepared to spin it in her cot; 
Whilst thus engaged, the Angel Gabriel came, 
That he, the coming Saviour might proclaim. 

When Mary's portion of the veil was done — 
Whilst others had their labors scarce begun — 
And to the High Priest in the Temple showed, 
His blessings on her head the Priest bestowed. 
Then Mary to Elizabeth a visit paid, 
And told her what the Angel Gabriel said; 
Elizabeth told what to her had come, 
And Mary presently went to her home. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Soon after, Joseph went to Galilee, 
That Mary, his betrothed, he might see ; 
When Joseph saw her, he could not conceal 
His thoughts, but yet would not the cause reveal. 
He came to marry her, but changed his mind : 
He had not thought his Mary thus to find. 
Then he resolved another course to take, 
And to dissolve the bend, arrangements make. 

Now Mary at this course was greatly pained, 
But from an explanation she refrained ; 
She did not think her story he'd believe, 
And cherished no intention to deceive. 
She let him take his course, no answer gave, 
Nor effort made, or spoke, herself to save. 
She did not Joseph love and little cared ; 
And for whatever he might do, prepared. 

Soon after, Joseph to his home returned ; 

With strange emotions now his bosom burned ; 

He pondered o'er the scene through which he'd passed, 

And every thing perplexed from first to last. 

The story of her life was plainly shown, 

And every where she'd been to him was known ; 

That she, herself devoted unto God — 

That she was won by the divining rod. 

Whilst dreaming on his couch, sad Joseph lay ; 
His chamber was illumined bright as day ; 
It was a Messenger from heaven sent, 
Who showed him how the maid was innocent : 
The whole account related to his ears, 
When he awoke divested of his fears. 
He rose and hastened back to Galilee, 
And at the altar joined their destiny. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE NATIVITY. 



The people sprung from David's line, 

To Bethlehem had come, 
To be enrolled, and pay the tax, 

Laid by Imperial Rome. 
Thus Joseph, with his weary bride, 

Had traveled all the day ; 
But when they came to Bethlehem, 

They Lad no place to stay. 

There was no room within the Inn, 

Nor friends to take them home, 
And poor worn Mary, ill and faint, 

Regretted she had come. 
Within a shelter made for beasts, 

They rested on the hay, 
Nor dreamed what things would come to pass 

Before th' approach of day. 

Night drew her sable curtains o'er 

The old Judean hills ; 
The peasant's voice was hushed in sleep ; 

The little mountain rills 
Ran murmuring down their tiny paths, 

To reach that silent sea 
Whose name still lives in every heart — 

The far-famed Galilee. 

Now, by the breath of evening rocked, 

Each bird slept in its nest; 
The lambs were gathered in the fold, 

The herd laid down to rest ; 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

The little songsters of the grove 

Had chanted all their lays — 
Those tuneful heralds, who proclaim 

The great Creator's praise. 

Upon the distant hill-sides lay 

The shepherds on the green ; 
And as they watched their flocks this night, 

Some wondrous things were seen. 
An angel, clad in robes of white, 

Fresh from the realms of space, 
Appeared before the shepherds' view, 

And hovered o'er the place. 

" I bring glad tidings of great joy," 

He cried with thrilling voice — 
" Which to all people now is come, 

That all men may rejoice. 
For unto you this day is born 

A Saviour on the earth : 
'Tis Christ the Lord ! the Lamb of God I 

Now glorify His birth." 

Then suddenly a Heavenly host 

Was thronging in the sky — 
Whose songs with music filled the air, 

In praising God most high : 
And shouting — " Glory be to God ! 

In highest realms of Heaven ; 
For on the earth He sendeth peace — 

To men good will is given." 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

The shepherds started to their feet, 

And stood in silent awe, 
Such wonders from the eternal world, 

They never knew before. 
E'en whilst they gazed and listened thus, 

The Angels rose from sight ; 
And soon in space they disappeared, 

'Mid clouds of dazzling light 

The shepherds now, in anxious haste, 

Their knowledge to unfold, 
To Bethlehem they came at once, — 

Their wondrous story told ; 
Soon found the shelter where the Child 

Within a manger lay; 
Around His form a Heavenly light 

Illumed the place like day. 

To Joseph and to Mary now, 

They told where they had been ; 
How Angels had appeared to them, 

What they had heard and seen ; 
That when around His humble bed, 

They saw the light from Heaven ; 
They knew it was God's holy Child, 

Whom He to men had given. 

Whilst singing songs of praise to God, 

The shepherds passed away, 
And told the curious things they'd known 

To all they met that day. 
Then Joseph soon remembered what 

The Angel had proclaimed ; 
And by the Heavenly messenger, 

The child was Jesus named. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. 



The Jewish custom still prevailed throughout Judea's clime, 

As in the ancient Hebrew race, back to old Abram's time, 

That each male child that should be born should to the High Priest go, 

And be presented to the Lord, and offerings bestow. 

Thus Joseph, (with the little Babe,) on holy thought intent, 
And taking Mary by his side, they to the temple went, 
To dedicate the child to God, and, as the Scriptures taught, 
He also for the sacrifice two turtle doves had brought. 

Now at this time a righteous man, named Simeon, appeared ; 

Devout and just, and very old, he God had always feared ; 

To him the spirit had revealed, that he would live to see 

The promised Christ, " the Lamb of God," when death should set him free. 

Then he was by the spirit led, and to the Temple came, 
And when the parents brought the child and he had learned its name, 
Then took he h.m up in his arms, and, blessing God, exclaimed, 
"Oh Lord, now let Thy servant go, as Thy word hast proclaimed. 

"Mine eyes have Thy salvation seen, which Thou prepared before, 
A light the Gentile world to guide, Thy glory evermore." 
Now Joseph, when he heard these things, in silence stood and gazed, 
And Mary, kneeling whilst he spoke, had listened, sore amazed. 

When Simeon had blessed them both, to Mary he proclaimed, 
"Behold ! this Child shall Israel save, and o'er the earth be famed. 
And many who their inward thought from others may conceal, 
His eye shall penetrate their hearts : their hidden mind reveal." 

The priestess Anna now came in, with holy unction fired ; 
And spoke prophetic words of Christ, as she had been inspired. 
And when all things had been performed, according to the law, 
They all returned to Nazareth, where they had dwelt before. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 



Beyond Judea's boundaries, the Magi of the East, 

By studies in Astronomy their wisdom had increased. 

The coming Saviour well they knew, that prophets had foretold ; 

And long had scanned the stellar skies, His advent to unfold. 

In all the ancient prophecies, Judea had been named 
The land where Jesus should be born, and for His sake be famed. 
Thus in the western skies at night they searched with greatest care, 
'Till God revealed the sign at last — His star was beaming there. 

The new star burned with Heavenly light, they knew it as " the sign, 
To guide their footsteps on that night to find the Child Divine. 
They soon came to Jerusalem to see the " new born King," 
" For we have seen His star," they said, " and precious tributes bring. 



In these days reigned Herod as king of the Jews, 
Who dwelt in Jerusalem, when the strange news 
By the seers from the East unto Herod was given, 
Of Bethlehem's Child, and the bright star in Heaven. 
This Child, they declared, was the promised Messiah, 
Who had been for long ages the nation's desire. 

This strange information disturbed Herod's mind, 
And at once to destroy the young Child he designed ; 
So he told the three " wise men" to follow the star, 
Which had guided their footsteps when seen from afar. 

The "wise men" departed, as Herod desired; 
To find the Child Jesus their bosoms were fired. 
Once more they beheld the bright star in the East, 
And by its clear radiance their hopes were increased. 



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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

ADORATION OF THE MAGI. 



They to Bethlehem came where the Saviour was born, 
When they found that the Babe had to Nazareth gone ; 
When they found the young Child, they all fell at His feet, 
And disclosed all their treasures, His presence to greet. 

They presented rich gifts of frankincense and gold, 
Of the star that had led them, to Mary they told. 
Having warned her that Herod the infant would slay, 
They returned to their homes, by a different way. 

Of awaiting the wise men, soon Herod grew tired, 
And with fierce indignation his bosom was fired. 
He then sent his messengers on the next day, 
To destroy all the infants that came in their way. 
And thus all the children on Bethlehem's plain, 
Of two years and under, by Herod were slain. 

He now felt assured that Messiah was dead : 

But Joseph to Egypt with Jesus had fled ; 

And when Herod had died, Joseph had no more fear, 

And returned with the Child to his friends in Judea. 

He sojourned at Nazareth, in Galilee, 

Where he thought from his enemies he would be free. 

The Child grew in beauty, in spirit waxed strong; 
Filled with wisdom, as only to God could belong. 
His graces of mind and His meekness of spirit, 
Struck all with amazement, beholding such merit. 
Thus His earliest days were in quietude spent, 
Each year to the Temple, with Joseph He went ; 
Where in His twelfth year were the Doctors astounded 
By answer and questions which Jesus propounded. 

What transpired thenceforth to the preaching of John, 
For full eighteen years, not a record has shown. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE INFANCY OF JOHN. 



A certain priest was Zacharias named, 
And for his piety and goodness famed; 
He at the altar, in the temple stood, 
And burned the incense offered up to God. 

Whilst thus engaged, an Angel was revealed, 
Who to all other eyes was still concealed ; 
The heart of Zacharias filled with fear 
When thus he saw the Angel standing near. 

But soon all trouble vanished from his breast, 

When Gabriel bade him set his fears at rest. 

He said, " Elizabeth shall bear a son ; 

And, when baptized, the child shall be named John. 

" This son shall unto thee a blessing prove ; 
He shall be filled with wisdom from above ; 
His preaching shall with holy fervor burn, 
And many people to the Lord shall turn. 

" The power and spirit that Elias showed, 
Shall, by the Father, be on him bestowed, 
To fill the parents' hearts with filial love, 
That thus their children may obedient prove. 

"The ' Holy Spirit ' shall in him reside, 
And in the wilderness shall John abide ; 
The coming of Messiah he shall preach, 
And thus a knowledge of the Saviour teach." 

Now Zacharias doubted, and was dumb ; 

Which Gabriel said would last till John should come. 

When at the Temple altar John was named, 

His speech returned, and thus God's word proclaimed 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

"And thou, my child, God's prophet shall be called ; 
Yea, as the prophet of the Highest be installed ; 
Before Messiah's footsteps thou shalt go, 
And thus his ways prepare whilst here below. 

" The knowledge of salvation thou shalt give ; 
His people's sins remit, that they may live, 
Through tender mercy, from our God made known, 
Whereby the day-spring from on high is shown. 

"And they that sit in darkness shall have light, 
And even death's deep shadow shall be bright. 
The ' day-spring from on high ' our feet shall guide, 
And all our ways be ways of peace beside." 

Then Zacharras ceased, the crowd withdrew ; 
The infant John in grace and beauty grew. 
He sought the wilderness, whilst yet a child, 
And learned his wisdom in the desert wild. 

When called of God, he from the desert came, 
Baptism of repentance to proclaim. 
His wondrous words caused many to enquire 
If he were John, or yet the true Messiah. 

About the River Jordan John began 

His preaching of repentance unto man. 

The words Esaias spoke his mission state : 

" Messiah's ways prepare, his paths make straight-" 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

JOHN, THE BAPTIST. 



The mission of John was by far more sublime 
Than any the world ever knew to that time. 
Like the prophets of old, he had fasted and prayed, 
And away from his home to the desert had strayed. 
The wild bees and locusts his food had supplied, 
And a camel's hair robe round his body was tied. 

With his glittering eyes, and his long streaming hair, 
And his strong, naked arm stretched high in the air — 
With his clear ringing voice, reaching far o'er the flood, 
On Jordan's famed banks, like a spirit he stood, 
And proclaimed the glad tidings to crowds in Judea, 
That the promised Messiah would shortly appear. 

"I am he, whom the prophets of old called ' The Voice,' 
Crying out from the wilderness, ' all men rejoice; 
For the day of the Lord, The Messiah, Most High, 
The world's Great Redeemer and King draweth nigh.' " 

" Repent of your sins, be baptized unto Grace ; 

For soon the Lord Jesus you'll see face to face. 

And thou, oh ! Jerusalem, turn from thy sins ; 

For with thee and thy priests, Christ His mission begins. 

Then hearken, oh ! Israel, hear it, oh ! priest — 

Thou hast injured My people, their burdens increased." 





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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 



THE FAST IN THE WILDERNESS. 



When Christ disappeared from the crowd on that day, 
It was thought from the world He was taken away ; 
But He went to the desert and forest, for prayer, 
For temptation and fasting awaited Him there. 

Here the Spirit had led Him, His work to begin, 
By a long and fierce struggle with Satan and sin. 
After forty long days, which were passed without food, 
He returned to the Jordan, near where He first stood. 

When John the Baptizer first saw Him draw near, 
He stretched forth his arms and forgot all his fear ; 
Then exclaimed with sad voice — for his mission was ended- 
"Here is He, upon whom, late the Spirit descended. 



"He hath come from His trial, like gold that's refined; 
And He taketh away all the sin of mankind." 
When John spake these words, he passed slowly away, 
For he knew that his preaching was ended that day. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 



CHRIST HEALING THE SICK. 



The fame of Christ Jesus 

Was soon spread abroad, 
And thousands acknowledged 

Him Master and Lord; 
His wisdom and knowledge, 

His power to teach, 
His miraculous cures, 

Which all cases could reach, 

The lame made to walk, 

And the blind taught to see, 
The palsied and leper, 

From sickness set free, 
The deaf and the dumb, 

Taught to speak and to hear, 
And the mind of the maniac, 

Also made clear ; 
All diseases incurable, 

His mighty power, 
By word or by motion, 

Restored from "that hour." 




THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

SERMON ON THE MOUNT. 



He was followed by multitudes anxious to hear ; 
Decapolis, Galilee, all through Judea, 
And the land beyond Jordan, the people all came, 
To be taught by the Saviour, so great was his fame. 

Christ was moved with compassion these people to see, 
But so great was the concourse, he could not be free, 
So he stood on a hillside, his gospel to teach, 
That his voice the most distant spectator might reach. 

The sermon he preached to the crowd at that time, 
And by Matthew preserved, was by far more sublime 
Than the world ever knew ; and its memory lingers 
Undimmed by the ravage of time's busy fingers. 



" The poor in spirit shall be blessed; 

Humility I love ; 
In Heaven's kingdom they shall rest, 

In realms of peace above. 

And those who mourn their earthly loss, 
For loved ones passed away — 

Shall in my love count all else dross, 
For I have mourned as they. 

The meek and lowly I shall bless, 
With good things here below. 

And those who thirst for righteousnesss, 
No more such thirst shall know. 

The merciful shall also find 

My mercy always free ; 
And those to purity inclined, 

God's holiness shall see. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

The peacemakers opposed to strife, 
" God's children" shall be called. 

The persecuted in this life, 
In Heaven shall be installed. 

Blessed are those reviled of men, 

And slandered for my sake ; 
They suffer in this life, and then 

My kingdom shall partake. 

All these are called the " salt of earth," 
And of this world " the light;" 

The savor comes from their new birth ; 
Their lamps are ever bright. 

Now therefore, let your light so shine, 

The eyes of men before ; 
That they your good works may combine, 

And God, in Heaven, adore. 

Remember this, when thou dost pray ; 

And always pray alone, 
Within thy closet far away ; 

Thy prayers shall reach God's throne. 

Thy Father hears the secret prayer ; 

From Him is nought concealed. 
His loving thoughts shall meet you there, 

His answer be revealed. 

Your prayer with words you must not fill, 

Nor repetitions vain ; 
In telling all your sorrows, still 

Be simple true and plain. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Your Father knoweth all your needs 

Before you come to pray ; 
His children's cry, he ever heeds, 

Ye therefore this shall say : 



Our Father who in Heaven reigns, all Hallowed be Thy name; 
And as Thy will is done in Heaven, oh, may we do the same. 
Give us this day our daily bread, our debts to us forgive 
As we our debtors shall forgive, and thus inThee may live. 

Into temptation lead us not ; from evil keep us free. 
The kingdom, power, and glory, belongeth unto Thee. 
For if ye do not those forgive who trespasss against you, 
You will not his forgiveness win — his promises are true. 



You must not earthly treasures hoard, 
For thieves break through and steal ; 

But trust in Heaven to find reward, — 
Your treasures to reveal 

Your body's wants you must not heed, 

Let faith in God abide ; 
Your Father knoweth all you need, 

He will all things provide. 

Now therefore, seek God's kingdom first, 

His righteousness attain ; 
He'll send you food, and quench your thirst, 

Your loss shall prove your gain. 

Let not your judgments be severe; 

With kindness others view ; 
Lest judgment hard, though just and clear, 

Be measured unto you." 




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the Jfather. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

JESUS WITH THE FATHER. 

The miracles by Jesus wrought, caused many to believe 

That he the great Messiah was, and him they should receive. 

« This is in truth the King, " they said, " that prophets had foretold 

Who should to men salvation bring, and heavenly things unfold." 

Then Jesus saw that they desired by force to make him King ; 
And that to join in their intent might his disciples bring. 
Then his apostles he constrained to sail across the sea, 
Whilst he the people sent away that he could be more free. 

The multitude departed hence ; and when they all were gone, 
To a high mountain Jesus went to be with God alone ; 
He had no sins to be forgiven, or thoughts to be subdued ; 
For he with all the attributes of Godhead was imbued. 

But in his path the services were manifold and great, 

Which 'twas his mission to perform, ere he should meet his fate. 

Before him were temptations, and sufferings, as man, 

Through which he would be called to pass, as part of his great plan 

In full dependence on the power, the truth and love of God ; 
And with the Father hold commune, he on the mount abode. 
The cause of his disciples, and his church he wished to plead, 
And with the Father hold converse on what they all might need. 

This converse he had held before, and Satan's power was stayed 
When in the wilderness alone, for forty days he strayed ; 
Communion with the Father now gave Jesus great delight, 
And on the mountain he remained for nearly all the night. 

Then Jesus to the shore returned and walked upon the sea, 
Which now in fierce disorder tossed, and winds raged wild and free, 
When his disciples saw him come, with fear their bosoms filled ; 
But Jesus spoke, and at his word, the winds and waves were stilled. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

RAISING OF JAIRUS' DAUGHTER. 



Some wondrous cures had been performed among the Gadarenes, 
When Jesus thought to pass away, and visit other scenes ; 
He wished to join his friends again, where he could be more free, 
And therefore left Decapolis, and sailed across the sea. 

When he had landed on the shore, a multitude he found, 
Who greeted Him with great delight, and gathered all around; 
Twas here a curious thing occurred, which none had seen before, 
A " Ruler in the Synagogue," came Jesus to implore. 

This haughty Jew Jairus, now, a humble suppliant came, 
For he believed in Jesu's power, and glorified his name ; 
"Oh, Jesus, Master !" thus he cried, " Thy mercy now I crave, 
My little girl is dying fast, there's none but thou canst save." 

" Oh come and lay on her thy hand, that thus she may be healed, 
Thy life-restoring power bestow, as ne'er before revealed;" 
E'en while he spoke, the messengers arrived in haste, and said, 
"Why troublest thou the Master more, thy daughter now is dead." 

Of raising persons after death, they never knew or heard, 
But thought, when all of life was gone, they then should be interred; 
Not thus Jairus, who believed that Christ could raise the dead ; 
And still besought that he would come, e'en though her life had fled. 

Whilst kneeling there upon the ground, his streaming eyes upraised, 
The most intense anxiety depicted as he gazed; 

With sweet compassion, Christ was moved, and bending o'er him, said, 
" Be not afraid, believe in me, thy daughter is not dead." 

Then taking Peter, James and John, he straightway left the shore, 
And soon came to the Ruler's house, and entered at the door. 
He hushed the minstrels' funeral notes, he stilled the mourners' wail, 
" Give place," he said, " the maiden sleeps, death shall not here prevail. 



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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

The mourners and the minstrels now, were told to leave the place, 

The three disciples still remained, with wonder in each face; 

The parents of the little girl, in silence waited near, 

And watched the Saviour's countenance with mingled hope and fear. 

The tenderness of Jesu's love for children here was shown, 
And here his life restoring power, to mortals first was known. 
With holy and majestic mien, he bade them lead the way, 
Then all passed slowly to the room where Jairus' daughter lay. 

The little girl was all alone, within that silent room, 

And tho' the breath of life was gone, there were no signs of gloom ; 

So beautiful and still she lay, upon her couch of snow, 

She seemed a sleeping Angel there, God's seal upon her brow. 

The " Great Physician" stood and looked upon that lifeless child, 
That silent gaze restored her life — she felt its power and smiled ; 
Then Jesus took her by the hand and raised her from the bed, 
When every trace of death's cold power, and sickness, all had fled. 

She sprung into her mother's arms, with cry of wild delight, 
Her happy face and tender eyes were beautiful and bright ; 
She next embraced her father dear, then turned to Christ, and said, 
" I only know I am alive, they tell me I was dead." 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST. 



Then taking Peter, James and John, he to a mount withdrew, 

Where his transfiguration scene, they plainly had in view ; 

P x e seemed about to pass away, his face was shining bright, 

And all his raiment was transformed, and gleamed with brilliant light. 

Two prophets from the spirit-land, with Jesus now were seen, 
In holy converse on each hand, whilst Jesus stood between. 
Then Peter unto Jesus said, " Tis well that we are here ; 
Three tabernacles we will make, which all men shall revere." 

Whilst yet he spake a silver cloud o'ershadowcd them from sight, 
And from its depths a voice they heard, that came from realms of light, 
"This is My well beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased;" 
As his disciples heard these words their wonder still increased. 

Then Jesus came and touched his friends, who, bowed in sacred awe, 
Had thrown themselves upon the ground, when they such wonders saw; 
"Arise" he said, " and banish fear, for I am here alone, 
And Moses and Elias, whom you saw with me, are gone." 

Then from the mountain, they came down, and Jesus further said, 
"Tell no one till the Son of Man is risen from the dead." 
When his disciples asked him why Elias must appear, 
Then Jesus answered, " He is come, but none knew he was here." 

Whilst thus discoursing as they went, they reached the lower ground, 
Where, waiting till the Saviour came, a multitude they found. 
A man, with grief and sorrow bowed, to Jesus came and said, — 
" My son is now a lunatic, and soon he will be dead." 

Then Jesus, with compassion moved, displayed again his power, 
And by his word the youth restored, and "cured that very hour." 
Then his disciples wondered why they could perform no cures, 
And he replied, "Ye nought can do whilst unbelief is yours." 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST BLESSING LITTLE CHILDREN 



The many scenes where Jesus' love for children was made known, 
His language so remarkable where'er that love was shown, 
All demonstrate that Christ designed it should be understood, 
That each created soul from God, was holy, pure and good. 

When Jesus called a little child and placed him on the ground, 
In the midst of his disciples, who were standing all around, 
He said to them in earnest tones — " Converted you must be, 
And like this little child become, or Heaven you'll never see." 

" Whoever, therefore, as this child, himself shall humble be, 

Shall be the greatest in the heaven, my Father shares with me. 

Bring little children unto me, forbid them not to come, — 

Who, when from earth they pass away, dwell in my Heavenly home." 

Then to the Saviour many brought young children to be blessed ; 
And Jesus took them in his arms, and to his bosom pressed. 
"Now therefore say I unto you, whoever will not share 
God's kingdom as a little child, he shall not enter there. 

"And whoso one such little child, in my name shall receive 
I here ordain, receiveth me ; such promise here I give. 
Let none offend these little ones who shall believe in me ; 
Twere better far that he be drowned within the deepest sea". 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

JESUS IN THE CORN FIELD. 



The harvest time had fully come, when Jesus, on his way, 
Passed through a ripened field of grain upon the Sabbath day; 
Where his disciples as they walked did pluck the heads of wheat, 
And rubbing them within their hands the loosened grain did eat. 

Whilst thus engaged, some Pharisees, who, lingering around, 
Walked up to the disciples and quickly fault they found. 
" Ye break the Sabbath day ;" they said, " do ye not know the law ? 
The sacred Scriptures never read — the edict never saw?" 

The over righteous Pharisees, had often sought to bind 
The Saviour in their subtle toils, by errors they might find. 
Of the act of the disciples they neither thought nor'cared, 
But Jesus held responsible, that he might be ensnared. 

Now Jesus knew what was their thought and baffled their intent ; 
He turned at once and answered them, before he further went. 
"Ye think these men are ignorant of what the Scriptures teach; 
But do ye understand the law which you pretend to preach ? 

"Have ye not read what David did, when he of food had need ; 
That he within the Temple went and ate the sacred bread ? 
Abiathar was then High Priest, who no remonstrance made, 
And gave the shew-bread for his use and David's wish obeyed. 

" The shew-bread was for Priests ordained — no others might partake, 
Yet David could his needs supply and no commandment break. 
The law for blessing was designed — created for man's good — 
You to pervert it seem inclined and these deprive of food. 

"Of Sabbath days and sacred laws, ye make a great parade; 
Of Sabbaths ye know not the cause, nor why such law was made. 
Now know ye, therefore, that for man the Sabbath was prepared ; 
That man was not created for the Sabbath, is declared." 



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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST CLEANSING THE TEMPLE. 

After preaching and healing for nearly a year, 
And his fame had extended beyond all Judea,— 
As the passover feast would be held the next week, 
Jesus went with his friends in the Temple to speak. 
A very great multitude choked all the way ; 
But he passed to the Temple and made no delay. 

This " Temple of God," first by Solomon built, 

And designed for his praise, was now darkened by guilt ; 

For the traders in goods, and the dealers in cattle, 

Made the portico ring with the din of a battle. 

Whilst the changers of money, and those who sold doves, 

Were found in the outer court, crowding in droves. 

When the Saviour appeared, they were struck with amaze, 
And shrunk in dismay from the fire of his gaze ; 
As with power and majesty ne'er seen before, 
Armed with stern retribution, he passed up the floor. 

Then the turbulence ceased, and a silence profound, 
That seemed like a spell, the vast multitude bound; 
On each face sat amazement, and wonder and fear, 
As their sins he rebuked, in a voice loud and clear. 

" My Father intended this Temple for prayer, 
Tis a den of vile thieves, who their plunderings share." 
Then with a small cord, which he found on the floor,- 
The changers and traders were drove through the door. 

Dismay and wild terror had seized upon all, 
And soon the vast multitude fled from the hall. 
Then 'neath the great portico, Christ stood alone, 
Whilst compassion and peace in his countenance shone. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Then the high priest Caiaphas, in gorgeous array, 
With his robes and his jewels in brilliant display — 
Strode forth from the temple with haste and surprise, 
With anger and envy, and hate in his eyes. 

"Who art thou ?" he exclaimed, "what authority brings 
Thee up to Jerusalem , doing these things ?" 
To intimidate Jesus, he thought this sufficed, 
But he answered with dignity, " I am the Christ." 

" Bear witness" said he, " that I came to my own ; 
And ye would not receive me; your fate shall be shown. 
This temple, whose fanes to my Father were reared, 
Is a place where my Father no longer is feared ; 
And now from its portals, his Son you would drive, 
No more shall his spirit your altars revive. 

" To acknowledge my mission, ye now may refuse, 
Yet the day draweth nigh when your priesthood ye'll lose ; 
And then 'mid the Gentiles, whom now ye despise, — 
Holy incense and love to my Father shall rise. 

" His temples shall stand on the hill-top and plain, 

And the valleys shall echo Hosanna's refrain; 

This once Holy Temple, profaned by your hands, 

Shall be torn by your foes from the ground where it stands; 

And your nation be scattered throughout every clime, 

Because of God's mercy, ye knew not the time. " 

More in sorrow than in anger, Christ spake to the priest, 
And thus was the force of his warnings increased. 
Without waiting reply, he passed slowly away, 
And the whole Jewish race were his foes from that day. 







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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM FORETOLD 



When Jesus left the Temple, he was sore dismayed, 
That Jews — God's chosen race — had such vile uses made 
Of this, His Holy Temple, which had been designed 
By God, as refuge, and an altar for mankind. 

And, as he walked in silence, his disciples said, 
" What shall befall this Temple, when we shall all be dead ? 
Shall all these solid stones that cling together now, 
Compose a Holy Temple wherein thy servants bow ?" 

Then Jesus answered them, while sorrow filled his heart ; 
" Those stones, which of the Temple now compose a part 
In yonder buildings vast, now of the world the wonder, 
Shall from their fellow stones, by wars, be torn asunder." 

They traveled onward; to the Mount of Olives strayed, 
Where Jesus paused, and with his four disciples stayed; 
And as they all in silence sat upon the Mount, 
His sad disciples begged he would those things recount. 

He told of Holy wars that future times would see — 
And all their bloody fruits have since formed history — 
Whilst from the mountain on Jerusalem they gazed, 
At Christ's prophetic words they greatly were amazed. 

Then said they, "Jesus, master, when shall these things be, 
And who shall know when man fulfills his destiny?" 
"Take heed that ye be not by any man deceived ; 
For many shall my name assume and be believed. 

"Then divers wars shall come, and rumors o'er the land, 
And Nation against Nation rise on every hand ; 
There shall be earthquakes, famines, troubles, o'er the earth- 
These are of mourning and of sorrows but the birth. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

"And persecutions for my sake to you shall come; 
Before the rulers you'll be brought, where 're you roam; 
In Syngogues be beaten, and by Kings be tried; 
Because ye preached my gospel which their laws defied. 

"But when before these harsh tribunals ye are brought, 
Of what you do or say, beforehand take no thought; 
But whatsoever shall be given, that speak ye ; 
For thus the Holy Spirit's power shall set you free. 

" The brother shall betray his brother, father, son ; 
And children 'gainst their parents rise for injuries done. 
The hatred of mankind and troubles, must be braved; 
But he that to the end endures, he shall be saved. 

"If any say, 'Lo, here is Christ,' do not believe; 

False prophets and false Christs shall rise but to deceive, 

By signs and wonders to seduce, almost the elect, 

Now, therefore, take ye heed, ye may these things expect. 

"My second coming on the earth, I shall foretell ; 
And by these signs I have declared, ye shall know well; 
The sun, and moon, and stars, shall all strange signs display, 
And all the Nations of the earth fill with dismay. 

"'Mid radiant clouds shall then the Son of Man appear, 

With power and great glory, from the Heavenly sphere; 

And when these things shall come, then raise your heads on high, 

For then the day of your redemption draweth nigh. 

"Now when all these things ye shall see and understand, 
Then ye may surely know God's Kingdom is at hand ; 
Now, therefore, watch and to your Heavenly Father pray 
That ye may stand before His Son in that great day." 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

RAISING THE WIDOW'S SON. 

Jesus thence went to Galilee, passing through Nain ; 

When his power and mercy were witnessed again. 

The son of a widow lay dead on his bier ; 

Whilst the mother exclaimed, - Oh that Christ had been here, 

His power of healing had saved my poor boy :^ 

Of life my sole comfort, my hope and my joy." 

Then Christ, who was passing, the mourners drew near, 
And with voice loud and full, bade them set down the bier ; 
He stretched forth his hand, whilst they gazed in surprise, 
« Young man," said the Saviour, " I bid thee arise !" 

A silence most painful, now reigned in that throng, 
For only to God could such language belong. 
Every ear had been strained the commandment to hear, 
Every eye was now fixed, as they gazed on the bier. 

Jesus stood all alone, he was calm and serene, 
Whilst pity and love, in his face could be seen ; 
His voice had been heard by the spirit, though tied, 
And soon it obeyed and came back to the dead. 

First a slight trembling motion stole over the form, 

Then the currents of life seemed his body to warm ; 

Then his livid cheeks flushed, and his eyelids unclosed, 

And he gazed upon Jesus, and reason disclosed. 

Then his lips slightly moved, as to speak he would try ; 

Then he stretched forth his hands and exclaimed, "Here am 1. 

He sat up the next moment, when Christ took his hand, 

And with little assistance was able to stand. 

His mother received him with joy in her eyes; 

While the crowd rent the air with their shouts of surprise. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

RAISING OF LAZARUS. 



But his power, and goodness, in all things made known, 
In the raising of Lazarus still brighter shone. 
Four days after death in the tomb he had laid, 
And a part of his flesh had already decayed. 

Jesus stood at the tomb, and a stillness profound, 
All the air seemed to fill ; the crowd stood around. 
Then the glory of God on his countenance shone, — 
As he said to the people, "remove ye the stone." 

The stone was removed, when the dark yawning tomb 
Noxious vapors sent forth from its horrible gloom. 
And those who were nearest drew back in great fear ; 
But Jesus and Mary remained standing near. 

Jesus looked in the cave, where was Lazarus laid, 
And gazed on the corpse in white garments arrayed; 
He then raised his eyes, which were glist'ning with tears, 
And prayed to his Father, for help from the spheres. 

Then he turned to the tomb, and with loud voice he cried, 
With a power that death and corruption defied ; 
" Ho ! Lazarus, come forth !" Then, after a pause, — 
The body was rescued from death's mighty jaws. 

The almighty fiat was heard by the dead, 

Then he opened his eyes, and arose from his bed. 

He came forth from the tomb, in the grave clothes that bound him, 

And with face white as marble gazed wildly around him. 

"Now loose him" said Jesus, '• and let him go free !" 

Then no trace-of sickness, or death, could they see. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE LAST SUPPER. 



The crowd who saw this miracle, soon spread abroad the news, 
And then the priests and Pharisees roused all the other Jews. 
Caiaphas also, then high priest, a council called in haste, 
When Jesu's fate was soon proclaimed, his condemnation passed. 
"This Nazarene shall suffer death," they cried with one accord^ 
"For he is now so famous grown, he'll soon become our Lord." 

Then Jesus from their sight withdrew, for, knowing their intent, 
He thought 'twas best to go away, and thus to Ephraim went. 
He thence returned to Bethany, with Lazarus he stayed; 
Where crowds, by coming to the place, their faith in him displayed. 

When Jesus went to Bethany, his dangers were increased, 
For in six days, Jerusalem would hold Passover feast. 
His enemies were well assured that Jesus would be there 
And laid their plans, and set their spies, to take him in a snare. 

But all their plans and spies were vain, for Christ knew their intent, 
And when the supper hour was come, with his disciples went; 
They gathered in an upper room, where they might be alone, 
And held their supper undisturbed, to all the Jews unknown. 

It was the holy evening hour, Jerusalem was still, 
The soft raoom shed a tender light o'er city, vale, and hill ; 
The evening supper, last of earth, with Jesus, now was o'er,— 
Where his disciples heard those words, they never heard before. 

He told them that his hour drew near, that he must soon depart, 
" But where I go ye cannot come," struck fear to every heart. 
" Let not your hearts be troubled now/' he said, with tender care, 
" A place within my Father's house, for you I shall prepare." 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST'S PRAYER. 



Then Jesus knelt upon the ground, he raised to heaven his eyes ; 
And thus his voice in melting tones, to God, his Father, cries : 
" My Father ! God ! the hour is come. Oh ! glorify thy son : 
That thus thou mayst be glorified, and thus thy work be done. 

" As thou hast given him power below to rule o'er all mankind ; 
That he should give eternal life to all whom life should find. 
And this is life eternal : that thee they only know ; 
The one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent below. 

" I've glorified thee on the earth, since first my work begun ; 
That- which thou gavest me to do, Oh, God ! is nearly done. 
Now glorify me with thyself, and let that glory be, 
That which, before the world was made, in heaven I shared with thee 

" I've manifested thy great name to all the sons of men, 
Whom thou did'st give me from the world, I brought to thee again. 
For thine they were before time wasy and though they guilt incurred, 
To me thou gavest them to save, and they have kept thy word. 

" Now they have known that all things good, whate'er thou gav'st to me 
From me came not alone, Oh, God ! but ever came from thee. 
For unto them I gave the word, which unto me was given, 
And from my lips delivered thus, received them as from heaven. 

" They thus have surely known that I came out from thee above, 

And thus believed that thou didst send thy Son to them in love. 

And now, Oh, God ! I pray for them, I pray not for thy foes, 

But thine alone, thou gavest me, for those and only those. 

For mine are thine, and thine are mine, whom thou hast given to me, 

And having here thy work begun, I'm glorified in thee." 




HK3 

warn 



[rajfcti ifiur J^hjjjici. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

" But now no more I'm in the world. To thee I come again, 
And when I'm taken from their sight, on earth they must remain. 
Oh, Holy Father ! wilt thou keep them, through thine own great name, 
As we are one forevermore, Oh ! may they be the same. 

" Whilst I was with them in the world, I kept them with thy power, 
Those whom thou gavest unto me, I kept in darkest hour, 
And none of them is lost to thee. Yet there are many still 
Whose end will be perdition. Thus the scriptures they fulfill. 

"And now I come to thee, Oh, God ! and here these things I say, 
That they may have my joy fulfilled, when I am gone away. 
To them thy word I freely gave, and now men hate them here ; 
Like me, they're no more of the world, but dwell in different sphere. 

"I pray not, Father, thou should'st take them from this world away ; 
But from the evil thou should'st keep them, while on earth they stay. 
The world no longer charms their sense ; they love the world no more ; 
Like me, they turn their thoughts to thee, thy holy name adore. 
Oh ! sanctify them through thy truth, direct whate'er they do ; 
Instruct with knowledge from on high — thy holy word is true. 

"As thou hast sent me to the world, to save mankind from sin, 
So have I sent them o'er the earth, their labors to begin. 
Myself for them I sanctified, with daily fast and prayer ; 
That through the truth, they may be led, my sanctity to share. 

" I pray not now for these alone, but those throughout the earth, 
Whoever shall believe in me, and thus receive new birth. 
That they through me may all be one, and glorify thy name, 
As thou in me and I in thee, Oh ! may they be the same, 
That those around them may believe, that I was sent from thee, 
And thus thy glory here on earth, be magnified through me. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

" The glory which thou gavest me, to them it hath been given, 

That they may all be one on earth, as we are one in heaven. 

Thus I in them, and they in me, that they may be made one; 

That those around may see in them thy perfect work begun, 

And that the world throughout may know, that I was sent from thee ; 

That thou hast loved thy chosen ones, as thou hast loved me. 

" Father, I will that also they, whom thou to me hast given, 
Be with me in eternal life, and dwell with me in heaven. 
That they my glory may behold, which cometh all from thee, 
For, Oh ! before the world was made, thou, Father, lovedst me. 

"Oh, righteous Father ! all unknown, to all the world wast thou ; 

But I have known thee, and these know, that thou hast sent me now. 

To them I have declared thy name, and will declare it more, 

That thou shouldst love them with the love, thou hadst for me before ; 

The love wherewith thou hast loved me, in them may also be, 

And I in them forever dwell, that they may come to me. 

" Now, let us go to Olivet," he said, with mournful voice ; 

"The garden of Gethsemane, the garden of your choice." 

With solemn step they all went forth ; they crossed fair Cedron's tide : 

"Now I must go alone," he said, "whilst here ye must abide." 

He passed beyond, his shadowy form, in darkness soon was gone, 
And in that awful hour he prayed in agony alone. 

" Thy will, not mine, Oh, God ! be done," he cried with thrilling voice, 
An angel heard the mournful words, and bade his heart rejoice. 

The hour was past, he came again, and found his friends asleep. 
" What, ho! " he cried, "for one short hour, could ye not vigils keep ? 
The hour for watching now is past ; sleep on and take your rest. 
The wine press must be trod alone and by my feet be pressed." 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 



" Oh, Pilate ! thou couldst have no power to save or injure me, 
Save that which cometh from above, and given by God to thee. 
It is not thine to bear the blame ; thou didst not this begin, 
But he that bound and brought me here, he hath the greater sin." 

Then Pilate strove with all his power that J.esus should go free, 
But fierce Caiaphas raved and swore that that should never be. 
He threatened Pilate to his face, with Caesar's awful power, 
If Jesus was not given up to death within that hour. 

Then Pilate finding all was vain, with water bathed his hands ; 
Then turning to Caiaphas said, " Now take him as he stands ; 
And crucify him, if ye will, and may his worshipped God 
Judge you, not me, for on your head, shall fall the avenging rod." 

When Pilate thus dismissed the case, he turned to Christ and said : 
" I never could condemn thee, but my power here has fled ; 
I know thou wilt forgive me, for the error is not mine ; 
But death can have no terrors to a fortitude like thine." 

Then Pilate turned with saddened face, and slowly passed away, 
And thus the trial's mockery was ended on that day. 
Condemned to death upon the cross, behold him now at last — 
His pilgrimage is nearly done, his mission almost passed. 

When Pontius Pilate left the hall, they seized him as he stood . 
For now their vengeance knew no bounds, but came a raging flood. 
They stripped his garments from his back, and then their work begun ; 
They scourged his flesh with leathern thongs, with forty stripes save one. 

Then re-arrayed his bleeding form, replaced the crown of thorns ; 
Then said, " Behold the Jewish King, his head the crown adorns." 
No murmur from his lips escaped, nor anger in his eye; 
His face in holy meekness dressed, was turned towards the sky. 




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ross. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST BEARING THE CROSS. 



They drove him bleeding, faint and weak, his strength was nearly spent; 
They made him bear the cruel cross, as o'er the ground he went. 
The robber chief, Barrabas, who from prison was released, 
Was made his guard and driver, and thus his shame increased. 

When they had gone beyond the walls, as far as eye could see, 
A countless throng filled all the space, around Mount Calvary. 
But here the heavy wooden beam was more than he could bear; 
And prone upon the ground he lay, for be had fainted there. 

Some thought him dead, but presently his strength returned again ; 
But when he saw his mother near, his breast was filled with pain. 
" Weep not for me," he gently said, " for I am going home ; 
Remember what I said before; behold ! mine hour is come." 

His smiling face, 'mid all his woes, with wonder struck the crowd. 
But soon the cries of priests and scribes grew clamorous and loud. 
" Away ! away ! " again they cried ; " He must be crucified." 
And thus once more the Saviour's strength, to bear the cross was tried. 

'Twas all in vain ; his strength was spent; when "Simon of Cyrene," 
Whom Jesus long had known and loved, appeared upon the scene. 
Him they compelled to bear the cross, whilst Jesus went before, 
And slowly up the hill they toiled, amid the deaf'ning roar. 

Their way was strewed with human bones, and skulls lay scattered round ; 

And human ashes, ghastly pale, lay thick upon the ground. 

For Roman soldiers, not content with crucifixion's pain, 

The bodies of their victims burned and strewed them o'er the plain. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE CRUCIFIXION. 



It was the glorious morning hour; the sun was shining bright, 
And o'er that wild tumultuous throng, he shed resplendent light. 
No sign in all the skies appeared, to tell the change should come 
When Jesus, slain by mortal hands, should meet his awful doom. 

The crosses by the two thieves borne, were first thrown on the ground ; 
The culprits stood, with folded arms, and glared on all around. 
But one seemed filled with anxious fear; with deep contrition riven ; 
The other foamed with rage and hate, and blasphemed God and heaven. 

Their limbs were seized by Roman guards, and stretched upon the beams. 
And soon their hands and feet were nailed, in spite of groans and screams. 
The crosses then were raised aloft, and, with a sullen sound, 
Each dropped into a socket made, for crosses in the ground 

This brought their weight upon the nails, and thus their pain increased ; 

Till both became insensible, and then their yelling ceased. 

The crucifixion of these thieves, was done before His sight, 

That thus their tortures might increase His pain and their delight. 

But when the stern centurion, on Jesus turned his eyes, 

He gazed upon his holy face, with pity and surprise. 

His countenance was filled with love, no anger there was seen ; 

His eyes, still turned away from earth, were beaming and serene. 

But now approached the awful hour ; the soldiers seized his form, 
Whilst on his head the cries and yells were, rained in perfect storm 
They bore him to the prostrate cross, whereon his form they lay. 
He offered no resistance ; then they tore his bonds away. 

They stretched him on the massive beam, his hands and feet they nailed; 

But yet before that holy face, the stoutest soldiers quailed. 

They raised the cross, and then his form, to all, was brought in view. 

" Forgive them, Father," then he cried ; " They know not what they do." 




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mvioutt. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Great drops of sweat were on his brow, with blood made by his crown ; 
But still his face, though pale, was calm ; no sign of scowl or frown; 
No moan escaped his heaving breast, his eye was bright and clear, 
Though all his weight upon the nails, made tortures most severe. 

Some Jews passed by and wagged their heads ; reviled him as they passed, 

And taunted him with bitter words, to sting him to the last; 

One malefactor now revived, these tauntings heard beneath, 

Took up the words with mocking laugh, and threw them in His teeth. 

The other turned with stern rebuke, and said, " Dost thou not fear 

God's anger for thy cruel words ? 'tis just that we are here; 

For we receive the due reward of all our wicked deeds : 

But this man hath done nothing Avrong, for which he this day bleeds." . 

And then he looked on Christ, and said, " Oh, Lord ! remember me, 
When to thy Kingdom thou return, from all thy woes set free." 
Then Jesus turned, his sins forgave, and told him in that hour,— 
" This day in Paradise shalt thou, behold my heavenly power." 



The crucifixion now was o'er, and many left the place, 

But Jesus' friends still lingered near, to gaze upon his face. 

His mother, Martha, Lazarus, and Mary, all were there, 

With deepest grief their hearts were torn, they wept as in despair. 

They would not leave that sacred spot till all of life was past ; 
They thought to bear him far away, and bury him at last. 
They knew that persons crucified, were always left to die, 
That as they hung, they could not thus, the birds of prey defy. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

DEATH ON THE CROSS. 



The Roman soldiers stood around, to guard the place all day ; 
Lest some of Jesus' friends should come to steal his form away. 
His mother now came near the cross, when Jesus, lgoking down, 
Exclaimed with tender voice and eyes, " Woman, behold thy son ! " 
Then turned to his disciple John, he said, " Behold thy mother." 
And thus thenceforth was Jesus Christ, his master, friend and brother. 

Then all was still. They waited long, that he again might speak ; 

They listened, and they watched ; at last they heard him silence break. 

In accents low, and broken sounds, " I thirst ! " he said at last. 

Some vinegar and hyssop, on a sponge to him was passed. 

His lips received the bitter draught. His tortures were now o'er. 

" Tis finished ! " he exclaimed at last. And then they heard no more. 



The Levites' trumpets now were heard. The sixth hour sounded loud, 
When fear and consternation dire seized on that mighty crowd. 
The sun grew darkened in the sky, all nature cast in gloom. 
The air was filled with vapors thick, as coming from a tomb. 

The cloud of sacrificial smoke, which had been seen all day, 
Above the temple hanging still — which nought could drive away — 
Now suddenly spread thick and fast, in one vast sable shroud ; 
'Till from the city it had passed, and covered all that crowd. 

The stoutest heart grew troubled now, and terror filled each breast ; 
This new display of Jesus' power, was greater than the rest. 
Then suddenly an earthquake dire, with anger shook the ground ; 
The rocks were rent; and opened graves, strewed bodies all around. 

The temple vail was rent in twain. The high priests groaned and prayed; 
For that the temple next would fall, they all were sore afraid. 
The bodies of the saints which slept, now from their graves arose, 
And walking through Jerusalem, were seen by friends and foes. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

DESCENT FROM THE CROSS. 

Now when the stern Centurion these wonders saw and feared — 
» This was the Son of God," he said, " to whom these signs appeared." 
Then one of Pilate's guards approached, to have the body tried; 
He then drew near, and with his spear, he pierced the Saviour's side. 

Then from the wound a crystal stream was seen with crimson tide ; 
And down his marble form the streams ran coursing side by side. 
They then concluded Christ was dead, and watching was in vain ; 
The guard were called and ordered to Jerusalem again. 

Now, Joseph, a rich merchant, from Arimathea came, 
Who long had known and Jesus loved, and spread abroad his fame. 
When he had heard of Jesus' death, he straightway left the town, 
And went to Pilate, begging leave to take the body down. 

He this obtained without delay, and soon was on the ground ; 
When he produced the order to the guards who stood around. 
Then helped by Nicodemus, and by others standing near, 
The cross with all its precious load, raised from the socket clear. 

They gently laid it on the ground, and as they draw the nails, 
And bathe the wounded feet and hands, each heart its loss bewails. 
They wrapped his form with tender care, in linen white as snow ; 
Their mingled tears fell thick and fast, as they prepared to go. 

'Twas now the holy twilight hour, the close of that dread day; 

The golden sun midst crimson clouds, was melting fast away. 

The awful gloom that shadowed earth, when Christ gave up the Ghost 

The rendino- rocks, and earthquake shocks, and other signs were lost. 

A sacred silence reigned o'er all, the heavens and earth were still, 

As that little band of mourners, were with Jesus on the hill. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH 

THE BURIAL OF CHRIST. 



To bear his body to the tomb, a bier of limbs was made ; 

And then, their preparations done, his form thereon was laid 

They took him on their shoulders now, prepared to leave tlK ground ; 

For skulls, and bones, and crosses bare, lay scattered all around. 

The little group wound on their way, along the rocky road ; 

Naught broke the stillness of the air, as they in silence trode. 

They feared some straggling Jews might come, and rob them as they went, 

And ere they reached the garden gate, their strength was nearly spent. 

The shades of night were coming, as the garden they drew near, 

But once within the little gate, they banished all their fear. 

The servants came with torches now, to light them o'er the ground ; 

While fig trees, and the olive, shed their fragrance all aroiind. 

They bore the body 'neath the groves, and through the garden passed ; 

'Mid beauteous flowers, and luscious fruits, they reached the tomb at last. 

This tomb had been by Joseph made, and cut in solid rock ; 
And when the other rocks were rent, this had escaped the shock. 
It was prepared with heavy cost ; for Joseph's self was made ; 
And ne'er before had human form within its portals laid. 

The massive door was opened wide, revealed the steps of stone ; 
And just within they saw a sarcophagus standing lone. 
The naming torches' fitful glare illumed each saddening lace, 
And filled the air with shadowy forms, that hovered o'er the place. 

The yellow moon was large and full, just risen in the east, — 
Shed o'er the scene a tender light, and all the charm increased. 
Some mourning cypress drooping low, like sentinels stood near ; — 
When suddenly the little group was filled with anxious fear; 
For then a rude Centurion, with soldiers, half a score, 
Came stealing through the garden shades, and stood about the door. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

He came from Pilate, to observe where Jesus should be laid, 
For that he might be carried off, the high priests were afraid. 
He said that Jesus had proclaimed, while he was yet alive, 
That on the third day after death, his body would revive. 

To guard against deception then, the Governor had sent 
His soldiers, with himself to guard, the corse where'er it went. 
Some women also now approached, in sable robes arrayed ; 
Who came to see the place wherein the Saviour's form was laid. 

The body now, wrapped in its shroud of spotless linen lay , 
Arabian spices strewed around, to keep it from decay, 
Was next conveyed within the tomb, and laid upon the stone, 
Once meant for Joseph's resting place. Now Jesus lay thereon. 

By mingled light of torch and moon, they gazed within the tomb, 
To take a last look on that form, there lying in the gloom. 
The massive door was closed again, with dull and solemn sound ; 
Then the little band of mourners all prepared to leave the ground. 

The signet bearer sealed the tomb, with Pontius Pilate's seal, 
Lest some of Jesus' friends should come by night his form to steal. 
Some guards were left within the grounds, to keep the tomb in view ; 
Then soldiers and Centurion, and mourners all withdrew. 

Now silence reigned; the air was hushed ; no sign or sound was heard 
Save murmuring insects in the trees, or carol of a bird. 
The silver moon shone bright and clear upon that sacred ground, 
Where holiness and truth at last a resting place had found. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE RESURRECTION, 



The night drew on — the morn appeared — and all next day had passed; 

But at the dawning of the third, the signal came at last. 

The morning star was beaming bright, the skies serene and clear; — 

When suddenly the guards beheld, a brilliant form appear. 

Like lightning beamed his countenance; his raiment white as snow; 

The air was filled with dazzling light, illuming all below. 

Amid a blaze of radiance, the angel reached the ground. 
A fearful earthquake shook the hills ; the guards fell all around ; 
The angel then approached the tomb, and rolled away the stone, 
Which had been placed againt the door — and then he sat thereon. 

Celestial beings thronged the tomb ; the place was dazzling bright ; 
And o'er the form lay resting there, was shed resplendent light. 
Then Jesus from the slab arose, and stood upon his feet ! 
And then death's mighty Conqueror came forth his friends to greet. 

When Jesus Christ rose from the tomb, he was no more of earth ; 
His mortal body in that hour, received Celestial birth. 
His holy and immortal form, in heavenly robes arrayed : — 
A halo circling round his head, Divinity displayed. 

The linen shroud, with spices filled — the napkin for his head : 

Were all left lying in the tomb, where he lay with the dead : 

These John and Simon Peter saw, when they came to the tomb, 

As stooping down they looked within, and saw them through the gloom. 

Thus Mary, when she saw the Lord, his face remembered not ; 
And when he asked her why she wept, his voice she had forgot. 
But in that moment he was changed, and called her by her name ; 
And then his form and voice she knew, for Jesus was the same. 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST APPEARING TO HIS DISCIPLES. 



Then Mary's heart was filled with joy, she sprung to take his hand : 
When Jesus bade her touch him not, but at a distance stand; 
And " go thou to my brethren now, and tell them I shall rise, 
And to my Father soon return, whose mansion is the skies." 

E'en while he spoke he disappeared, and vanished from her sight, 
And tho' twice more was seen that day, appeared again at night, 
Within a small and secret room, where his disciples went, 
To 'scape the malice of the Jews, who knew not their intent. 

Like being from the spirit land, he came upon their view, 
But in his old familiar voice, said, " Peace be unto you." 
Then his disciples all were glad, when Christ they saw again ; 
But though they all beheld his form, from touching did refrain. 

Then Jesus spoke to them again, said, " Peace be unto you; 
E'en as my Father hath sent me, so therefore send I you." 
Then with his heavenly lips he breathed upon the head of each ;— 
" Receive the Holy Ghost," he said, " Now go ye forth and teach. 
Whose sins soever ye remit, remitted they shall be. 
And whose soever ye retain, shall be retained by me." 

Then from their sight he disappeared, but went not at the door : 
And though they wondered at his flight, his form they saw no more, 
Until eight days had passed away, he came again in view, 
And stood within their midst once more, said, " Peace be unto you." 
'Twas here that doubting Thomas saw, and had his faith restored; 
When Jesus spoke to him lie cried, " My Master and my Lord." 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST AT EMMAUS. 



Then Jesus, in another form, appeared again, and talked 

To two of his disciples, as they in the country walked. 

The strange events that had transpired, they talked of on their way, 

And that the resurrection had been promised on that day. 

This was the second time that Christ to any had appeared : 

The first had been to Mary, who his altered form had feared ; 

He saw the two disciples as to Emmaus they went ; 

But when he came, they knew him not — on their own thought intent. 

When Jesus saw that they were sad, he asked the cause to know, 

And what their conversation was, whilst walking on so slow. 

Then Cleopas said unto him, " A stranger here art thou ? 

And hast not known the wondrous things that came to pass but now ? 

" Concerning Christ of Nazareth, who was a prophet famed, 

And that he was the Son of God, he often had proclaimed ; 

He mighty was, in word and deed, could miracles perform ; 

He healed the sick, he raised the dead, and stilled the raging storm. 

"We trusted that it had been he, who Israel should redeem, 

When signs from Heaven appeared to him, whilst coming from the stream: 

But he, the rulers and high priests to condemnation gave ; 

And now that he is crucified, he hath no power to save. 

" This is the third day since that time, and rumors are abroad, 
That he has risen from the tomb, but none have seen the Lord ; 
Though certain women have been there, and found that he had gone, 
Whilst at the entrance to the tomb an Angel sat alone." 

To them the Angel kindly spoke, and answered, " Do not fear, 

I know 'tis Jesus whom ye seek, but Jesus is not here, 

For he is risen, as he said. See where the Saviour lay. 

Go quickly, his disciples tell, the things you saw this day." 




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THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

"And when the women found him not, they came to us and said, 
That Jesus now had left the tomb, where he lay with the dead. 
And some of them which were with us, have since been to the tomb, 
But found not him, for whom they sought amid the deepest gloom." 

Then Jesus said, "Oh ! slow of heart the prophets to believe, 
That Christ should suffer all the things, his Glory to receive ! " 
Then he expounded unto them what all the Scriptures said — 
His birth,"his life, his mission — that to death he should be led. 

When they drew nigh to Emmaus, where they designed to stay, 
Christ signified that he should travel farther on the way ; 
But they constrained him to remain and in their home abide, 
And said, "The day is now far spent, 'twill soon be eventide." 

Then Jesus tarried with these men, and to their home he came, 
As at the supper with the twelve, with them he did the same ; 
For whilst he at the table sat, the bread he took and brake, 
And blessing it, he said to them, "Take, eat it for my sake." 

Then suddenly they Jesus knew, for he was changed again, 
And that he was their risen Lord, his form and voice made plain. 
But while they gazed and wondered thus, he rose before their sight, 
And soon in air he disappeared, 'mid clouds' resplendent light. 

They sat and gazed, with wonder filled, at length they silence broke 
In divers exclamations strange, and thus Cleopas spoke : — 
"Did not our hearts within us burn, as on the way we walked, 
And as the Scriptures he explained, and of the prophets talked." 



Then from the table they arose, and to Jerusalem went, 
In haste their knowledge to disclose ; their strength was nearly spent 
They found th' eleven gathered there, and soon the story told, 
How Jesus, when he blessed the bread, himself he did unfold. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

CHRIST AT THE TIBERIAN SEA. 



Thus Jesus, though he dwelt on earth, had no abiding place ; 
And though his mother lived with John, she rarely saw his face. 
The high priests at Jerusalem, no longer sought his life ; 
And all the Jews were quiet now ; and ceased their wicked strife. 
None knew where Jesus made his home ; he seldom now was seen ; 
And when before his friends he came, none knew where he had been. 

He next appeared upon the shore of the Tiberian Sea ; 

Where his disciples cast their nets, but knew not it was he ; 

For they had cast their nets all night, but they had nothing caught, 

And in the morn they sailed to shore, and all their nets they brought. 

Then Jesus bid them cast their nets within the sea again ; 
Near eight score fishes now were caught, and landed on the main. 
John now discovered who he was, and Simon Peter told ; 
Who seized a chance, to all the rest, the knowledge to unfold. 

Now his disciples knew that Christ was standing on the shore ; 
But yet his face and form were strange, and never seen before. 
They durst not ask him who he was, and yet they knew the Lord, 
Though who he was, his voice and face, no knowledge could afford. 

Some coals of fire were on the shore, and soon they made a feast 
Offish and bread ; but while they ate, their wonder still increased. 
Like being from the spirit land, He first stood on the shore, 
And thus again he disappeared, — his form was seen no more. 




Ptiftsi ai ^iberiai^ fjea. 



■ : . : , •: ■'"■ 




THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

THE ASCENSION. 



When Jesus was slain, his disciples had fled ; 

Their faith had been weakened ; their prophet was dead. 

And though he had told them again he should rise ; 

Yet they heard the strange story with doubt and surprise. 

Then the spirit-like manner in which he appeared, 
Though they knew it was he, yet his presence they feared ; 
Thus on all the occasions when Jesus was seen, 
None knew of his coming, or where he had been. 

He taught his disciples that soon he should rise, 
And return to his Father, his home in the skies. 
And the time now was near, forty days almost passed, 
When all men might see him once more for the last. 

His eleven disciples in Bethany met, 

At the place he had named, on the day he had set. 

And when they beheld him they worshipped and praised ; 

But some of them doubted, and all were amazed. 

Then Jesus approaching, ascended the hill. 
A heavenly light all the air seemed to fill. 
The glory of God in his countenance shone, 
As calm and majestic he stood there alone. 

Then they heard him exclaim, " Unto me hath been given 
All power in earth, and all power in heaven." 
Then he stretched forth his hands, his disciples to bless, 
Whilst they knelt in devotion to hear his address. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

" Go forth to the nations, my gospel to teach ; 

To the heathen in darkness, my word ye must preach ; 

Baptizing all those who in me shall believe, 

And observe my commandments, my gospel receive. 

Remember my words, I am always with you, 

To the end of the world, and my promise is true." 

Amazement and wonder were seen on each face, 
At the awful event now about to take place. 
There stood on that hill-top, incarnate rs man; — 
In grand consummation of God's mighty plan, 

His own holy Son, whom he sent upon earth, 
To redeem fallen man from the stain of his birth. 
His mission was finished — he stood there alone, 
And soon he would rise to his heavenly throne. 

All were hushed and amazed, not a sound stirred the air, 
For all felt that God in his glory was there. 
Then a strain of soft melody filled all their ears ; 
'Twas the music of angels, and came from the spheres. 

Then His form seemed ethereal, as lighter it grew, 
And a bright silver cloud was disclosed to their view ; 
It softly descended to where Jesus stood, 
And its radiance streamed o'er the place like a flood. 

Christ extended his arms, with his face turned on high, 
And enfolded in cloud he arose to the sky. 





^h$ ^sceusioH.. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

STORY OF THE DEATH OF THE VIRGIN. 

When Christ's apostles had dispersed and on their mission gone, 
Then Mary found a refuge with the parents of St. John; 
They near the Mount of Olives dwelt, and Mary every day 
The tomb of Christ and Golgotha, she visited, to pray. 

More than a score of years had passed since Jesus rose to Heaven, 
When Mary's heart felt strong desire-with tender longing riven. 
She wished to dwell with Him once more and be forever blest. 
In realms where he had gone before and find eternal rest. 

An Angel came to her again in answer to her prayer, 

And told her that within three days her spirit would be there j 

He placed a palm branch in her hand, brought from the heavenly sphere, 

Which in her funeral train should go-be borne before her b.er. 

Then Mary earnestly besought him, ere she passed away, 
That all the apostles might be brought to crown her final day; 
She wished once more to see them all around her in her home; 
The Angel gladdened her again and told her they should come. 

Then John was brought from Ephesus, where he the gospel preached, 
And, as he offered sacrifice, at Rome was Peter reached; 
And Paul, who was engaged near Rome, disputing w.th the Jews , 
And Thomas in far India, where he had heard the news. 

With James and Matthew, these were all the apostles then alive, 
And these, by miracle were brought, while Mary should survive ; 
Then, by the Holy Spirit raised, awakened from the dead 
Came the apostles which remained and stood about her bed. 

Thus Philip, Andrew, Simon, Mark, Bartholomew and Luke 
Made up the pious band on whom once more might Mary look ; 
And Angels, clad in robes of white, were thronging in the air 
To fill the place with heavenly light, for Mary, lying there. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

The Angel Gabriel at her head, and Michael at her feet, 

They came to guard her lowly bed — her sacred presence greet ; 

They fanned her with their heavenly wings, to soothe her human fears, 

And John and Peter, moved with pity, wiped away her tears. 

Then by the Holy spirit moved, they cried with one accord ; 
"Hail ! blessed Mary, blessed be the Mother of our Lord." 
Now people came from Bethlehem, who sickness had endured ; 
The lame and palsied, blind and dumb, by Mary all were cured. 

The story of these wondrous cures by rumor was made- known, 
And reaching to Jerusalem soon came before the throne ; 
The hatred of the Jewish race to Jesus had survived; 
The cures that Mary had performed their enmity revived. 

The King was roused, his horsemen called, and ordered them to bring 
The Virgin Mary, with her friends, at once before the King. 
The horsemen from Jerusalem were seized with sudden fear, 
When they arrived at Bethlehem, and Mary's home drew near; — 

The Angels were ascending and decending round the place ; 
Astonishment their bosoms filled, and wonder in each face; 
For when they entered Mary's home no company was there, 
As Gabriel had them all removed in silence through the air. 

The High Priests now with anger raged and to the Gov* or went, 
The Holy Virgin to destroy, declared was their intent ; 
They craved for his permission to consume her house with fire, 
But though they his consent obtained, God thwarted their desire. 

They started off with wood and fire and greatest haste employed — 
A sudden flame surrounded them and they were all destroyed ; 
The Governor, who saw these things, the Virgin Mary sought, 
Who healed the sickness in his son, whom he to her had brought. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

Then on the sixth day of the week the Angel came again; 

Said, Mary in Jerusalem, no longer should remain. 

She to Gethsemane must go and they must take her there, 

For she desired that place to see and spend some time in prayer. 

The priests with deep resentment filled, conspired with one Juphia 
To seize the litter on the way, and Mary burn with fire, 
But when he to the litter came, and touched it as it hung, 
An Angel smote off both his arms, which to the litter clung. 

He shrieked, with pain and horror filled, for soon he would be dead, 
And begged they would restore his arms, when Peter turned and said 
"The Lady Mary you must ask, 'tis she thou must implore ; 
She can alone perform the task — to thee thy arms restore." 

"Oh! Holy Mary," then he cried, " I humbly turn to thee; 
Oh! Mother of Salvation; now have mercy upon me." 
Then she with tender pity moved, in honor of her Lord, 
Told Peter to return his arms, and thus they were restored. 

They now went to Gethsemane and laid the litter there, 
Within a cave as they were told, and gave themselves to prayer; 
The Angel Gabriel here announced that on the week's first day, 
That Mary's soul should be removed — that she would pass away. 

And on the morning of that day, came Elizabeth and Eve, 
And, kissing her, told who they were, that Mary might believe. 
Then came the men of Jesus' line, Adam, Seth and Noah, 
Through Abraham to David's time— the Fathers gone before. 

Then Enoch and Elias came, and Moses too was there ; 
Twelve chariots filled with Angels bright, were thronging in the air; 
Then in their midst the Lord appeared in human form once more, 
When Mary bowed and said, "Oh ! Lord, thy favor I implore. 



THE LIFE OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH. 

"Upon me place thy hand, my Lord, that I may feel it now." 
She took his hand, and kissing it, she laid it on her brow. 
" Before this hand I bow," she said, " which heaven made and earth, 
And all. that in them now exists, and all that e'er had birth. 

•' I thank thee, Lord that thou hast thought me worthy of this hour; 
Oh, take me to thyself this day — once more display thy power." 
"Now shalt thou be with me," he said, " in Paradise this day, 
And heavenly angels from on high, shall guide thee on thy way." 

Then the disciples all drew near, and Mary's prayers besought, 
That she would pray for all mankind as they had all been taught ; 
And while she prayed in earnest tones, her face with brightness shone, 
And then she prayed that God would bless them after she was gone. 

Her voice grew fainter as she spoke, and now was heard no more ; 
Then Mary's spirit passed away, and all of earth was o'er; 
By angels wafted on through space, she soon was with the blest, 
"Where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest." 

The apostles now the body bore, and sought, with full accord, 

The Valley of Jehoshaphat, as told them by the Lord ; 

And in that little company, St. John went on before, 

And, as the angel had ordained, the sacred palm-branch bore. 

A miracle at Mary's tomb by Jesus was displayed. 
When he came to the sepulcher where Mary's form was laid, 
He found th' apostles sitting near and unto them he said : 
"What will ye I should do with her, now lying with the dead ? 

" My Father's word selected her, who was of David's line, 
And willed that I should dwell in her — thus God and man combine." 
They all replied, with one accord, " Oh ! Lord, let Mary rise." 
Then with the Angels Mary rose and soared to Paradise. 



THE PUBLIC MIND, 

IN REGARD TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



No. 29 Washington Place, New York, October 12, 1873. 
Albert Welles, Esq., President, &c. 

Dear Mr. Welles : — You do not know how much I enjoyed your reading to 
me your chaste and touching Life of Jesus the Messiah. You may well call 
it" a sacred poem," for it seems more like the Saviour's Life in rhyme, as " the 
beloved disciple " in his childlike love of his Master would have written it, had 
he resorted to rhyme, which in all ages has been the language of infant nations 
(especially in the orient) as well as of childhood itself. Children cannot com- 
mit prose to memory without hard effort, and then it is soon forgotten. The 
lays of childhood outlast everything else. 

1 did not observe in your reading any imagery that was not borrowed from 
the Bible, and it is a wonder that you preserved the sacred nomenclature with 
such fidelity, without the sacrifice of grace and harmony. 

This poem will be a new and powerful ally to the mother over her cradle, 
and the teacher in the Sunday School, and I believe it will live as the best po- 
etical life of the Saviour. Through it millions of children may become familiar 
with the history of Jesus, long before they can reach Bunyan, or the New Tes- 
tament, or even learn to read. Moreover I wish to see the rising generation 
learn the divine life of Jesus as the Gospel gives it before they get old enough 
to read any of the many elaborate Biographies of Christ as Literature. 
Faithfully yours, 

C. EDWARDS LESTER. 

Am. Tract Society, New York, October 22, 1873. 
Mr. Albert Welles. 

My Dear Sir : — I have been much gratified by hearing read your poetical 
version of the "Life of Christ," which seems to me to have one special merit in 
harmony with a long recognized excellence of the Gospels themselves, namely, 
the plain unadorned and straightforward simplicity of the style. The Evangel- 
ists evidently had one thing to do, to tell a true and honest story as simply as 
possible. You have put this narrative into smooth and flowing verse, and many 
a young reader, I've no doubt, will read it with delight and remember it well. 
Very truly yours, 

W. W. RAND. 

No. 306 Second Avenue, New York, November 20, 1873. 
Mr. Albert Welles has read to me a very good piece of versification, a nar- 
rative of the beginning and end of our Lord's career upon earth, with two or 
three of His miraculous works. I think it would be an addition to our apparatus 
of instruction for the young. It is easy, flowing in its rhythm, clear in its state- 
ment, and very literal in its imitation of the sacred text. 

HOWARD CROSBY. 

Office of the Universalist General Convention, 
No. 328 West 46th St. 
New York, December 22d, 1873. 
Dear Sir ; — The unremitting demand of vital matters upon my time and 
thought must be my apology for a seeming neglect of the important matter you 
have in hand. You know that I was pleased and interested with the reading 
of your rhymed version of the Life of Jesus, for I expressed myself fully at 
the time. Such thought as I have since been able to give it, has confirmed my 
impression that you have struck out something of great value to children and to 
teachers of children : for these reasons : 

I. It furnishes a simple thread of narrative running right through the vast 



labyrinth of the literature of the subject. The child can learn the story first, 
and then the teacher can gather around the simple history such moral and illus- 
tration as his knowledge and skill can command. For this reason I recommend 
the printing of '' large paper" copies for teachers, upon the wide margins of 
which, they can make notes and references which will amount in time, to a 
complete history of the great life filtered through their personality, and be- 
cause so, engaging their utmost interest in teaching it. 

2. The attention of the child is rolled easily and pleasantly through the story, 
on the wheels of rhyme. All experience demonstrates the vast advantage in 
the teaching of children, of the rhythmic form over any prose statement, how- 
ever graceful or varied. I learned even the multiplication table in rhyme. 

Many other excellences in the form and style you have chosen might be 
pointed out. I wish you all success in getting the work well printed and illus- 
trated. Very truly yours, 

To Albert Welles, J. M. PULLMAN. 

No. 22 West 16th St., New York, January 2d, 1874. 
To Albert Welles, Esq. 

Dear Sir :— I have listened with pleasure to the "Life of Christ" as related in 
the verses which you have read to me. The versification is smooth and fluent, 
and in giving the words of Jesus, you have, in spite of the difficulty of the task, 
adhered quite closely to the text. Metre and rhyme have a strong attraction for 
children, many of whom will be drawn, by such a presentation of the Life of 
Christ as you have given, to read of Him, and to remember His teachings. Wish- 
ing you success in your endeavor to familiarize the rising generation at an early 
age, with His words, and the events of His life. I am Sir, 
Respectfully yours, 

WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. 



Irving Place, Ne'v York, Oct. io, 1874. 
To Albert WelleSj Esq. 

My Dear Sir :— It is a pleasure to refer to the gratification I had in listening 
to your very beautiful poetic version of the "Life of the Saviour." It is a work 
much needed in families and Sunday Schools of the country, inasmuch as it is 
the only production of the kind which will satisfy the natural craving of chil. 
dren for instruction in a pleasing form. 

It is calculated to lead directly to the study of the New Testament, and 
mothers, and Sabbath School teachers, will have a valuable adjunct and assist- 
ant in this charming production, which is admirably adapted to the inquiring 
mind of youth, in sacred things, wholly divested of theology. 

Your work is not only valuable for its extreme simplicity and beauty of 
rhythm, but also on account of the entire absence of sectarianism. There are no 
doctrines inculcated, and therefore your book will be equally useful to, and 
valued by, every denomination or religious sect. 

Hoping that you may take measures for placing this effort of your genius in 
the hands of Christian mothers and Sunday School instructors, I have the honor 
to remain, Your friend and well wisher, 

J. V. C. SMITH. 

149 East 39th St., New York, Nov. 28, 1874. 
Albert Welles, Esq. : 

Dear Sir:— It is with extreme pleasure that I acknowledge the receipt of 
yonr circular, containing some of the most charming lines on Sacred 
History it has ever been my good fortune to read. Accept my warmest 
thanks for putting in my hands a means of supplying a need I have 
long felt in my Sabbath School. The subject, always beautiful, comes 
with an added charm from your hands; and I am sure children and grown 
people will be equally interested in your book. As a Christmas gift, 
nothing could be more appropriate. 

Yours, for a good cause, 

A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER. 



iii 
No. Ill East 19th St., New York, Nov. 24, 1874 

Albert Welles, Esq. : 

My Dear Sir:— I have read with interest the verses you have enclosed 
to me. Your purpose is an admirable one. Parents, Pastors and Teach- 
ers will welcome the aid your poem lends them in their effort to win for 
Him who best may claim the title " Children's Friend," the little ones 

entrusted to their care. 

Faithfully yours, 

WM. T. SABINE. 

No. 181 Second Ave., New York, 30 November, 1874. 
My Dear Mr. Welles : 

I am much indebted to you for the " Extracts " sent me, of your sacred 
poem of the "Life of Christ." I have read them with great interest. 
Not only the real beauty of the thoughts, as taken from the facts of Bible 
history, afford me much pleasure, but the easily flowing rhythm of the 
verses makes them very acceptable. 

Not only the children, I think, to whom you have given or dedicated 
this valuable poem, but those of riper years will appreciate your good 

work. ... 

It should be found in every school and home, and, I doubt not, win 
prove to be the "Children's Friend." 

Yours very truly, 

GEORGE H. PEABODY. 

Valhalla, N. Y., 7 December, 1874. 
Albert Welles, Esq. : 

My Dear Sir --It affords me unfeigned pleasure to note my interest in 
your most inviting poem, " The Life of Jesus, the Messiah." The pros- 
pectus, containing extracts from the work, conveys a faint idea of its 
admirable character. Having heard the poem read in extenso, I take much 

interest in it. 

As you have already received the commendation of the pastors of the 
several denominations of Christians, which is in itself remarkable, you 
need not fear the want of success in the publication of your Poem. 

Your work sets forth the Scripture itself; which conformity must be 
grateful to all refined minds. 

I think your book will be used and appreciated (as it ought to be) by the 
Mothers, Pastors and Sunday School Teachers of the country, and I am 
sure it can not fail to delight the children themselves. 

In the hope you will thereby receive the reward which you richly merit 

I subscribe myself, . 

Yours very truly, 

WM. COVENTRY H. WADDELL. 

Office of the "Union in Christ," New York, Dec. 14, 1874. 
Mv Dear sir:-I have just read the extracts you sent me from your 
"Life of Jesus," in verse. Though prepared for children it will interest 
those of mature years, who love the story of the Cross. 

Yours truly, 

H. A. KING. 

Pittsburgh, Pa., December 17, 1875. 

^vDeaTSrf-I /udge, from the extracts from your poem, that it can- 
noUaS t command success; and it is not an ephemeral production that 
needs haste to get it off. Whenever I can say a good word for your work 

It shall be spoken. 

Most cordially yours, 

JOHN HARPER. 



Iv 

No. 8 East 24th St., Madison Square, New York, Dec. 18, 1874. 
My Dear Sir:— As I am no longer a pastor, I cannot do as much for the 
circulation of your book among children as once I might. But I con- 
gratulate you in doing any thing in the way of versification and rhythm 
and pictorial illustrations to interest children in homes and schools, in 
the wondrous life of our Lord upon the earth : and I do wish you the 
utmost success in your laudable undertaking. 

Very truly yours, 

WILLIAM ADAMS. 



From the Home Journal, Bee. 23, 1874. 
Albert Welles, the writer of numerous works, in prose and verse, is 
about to bring out a narrative poem tor children, " The Life of Jesu8." 
The specimens of the work which we have seen, give promise of a clear 
paraphrase, which will not entirely dissipate the inimitable beauty, 
simplicity and dignity of the Bible narrative. This we hold to be great 
praise for any attempt to improve the original. 



From the New York Observer^ Dec. 24, 1874. 
Mr. Bryant, Dr. Crosby, and others, have expressed their gratification 
with a metrical version of "The Life of Jesus," a sacred poem for children, 
by Albert Welles. After such distinguished approbation, it would be 
superfluous for us to add our owu testimony to the character of the pro- 
duction, but we give a few stanzas, from which its merit may be judged. 

Palmyra, N. Y., January 4, 1875. 
Albert Welles, Esq. . 

Dear Sir :— We have read your verses with delight. The theme truth ; 
the thought chaste ; the numbers limpid ; the whole elevating. 

Very truly, 

HORACE EATON. 



Elmira. N. Y. Jan. 15, 1875 
It is to me unlike any book I have ever seen, I cannot describe the 
emotions I experienced while reading it. The "Life of the Messiah" in 
verse will doubtless deeply interest many children who might not be in- 
duced to read it in prose. 

Mrs. M. A. BACON. 



No. 306 Second Avenue, New York, Jan. 18, 1875. 
Albert Welles, Esq, : 

My Dear Sir :— I thank you for a copy of your beautiful book. It has 
an air of wholesomeness about it which is very cheery. 

Yours truly, 

HOWARD CROSBY. 

Grace Church Rectory, New York, Jan. 22, 1875. 
Dear Sir :— I beg to acknowledge your courtesy in sending me a copy ol 
your "Life of Jesus," which I have looked through with great interest, 
and which, I doubt not, will find a place in the lyric literature of the New 
Testament. 

Very truly yours, 

HENRY C. POTTER. 

Custom House, New York, January 22, 1875. 
Dear Mr. Welles : 

I desire to thank you, not only for myself, but my family, for the very 
beautiful, interesting and ingenious book styled the "Life of Jesus, The 



V 
Messiah." Being written in verse, admirably adapted to the purity and 
simplicity of His life; and embracing;, as it does, His history from birth 
to His ascension, it brings before the reader, from the child up, a matter 
so interesting that every one who can read will understand and know 
more of our Saviour than by years of casual reading of the Testament. 

I congratulate you upon its merit, and hope that every family in 
Christendom wil' be possessed of a copy. 

Very truly, your friend and ob'dt servant, 

JNO. J. HEERICK. 

Vinton Homestead, Washington, D. C, Jan. 22, 1875. 
My Dear Mb. Welles : 

I have to thank you for the prettily bound and illustrated copy of your 
poetical version of the "Life of Jesus." I shall take great pleasure in 
calling the attention of the "Literary Society" (to which I have the honor 
of belonging) to its merits. 
Hoping it may meet with success, I am, with renewed thanks, 
Very faithfully yours, 

MADELAINE VINTON DAHLGREN. 

No. 53 East 54th Street, New York, 23 January, 1875. 
My Dear Sir : — I received a few days ago the beautiful book you were so 
good as to send mc— your sacred poem, the " Life of Jesus." 

I have examined it with very much interest, and esteem it so highly 
that I will thank you to send me three copies, which I desire to send to 
as many friends. 
Please accept my thanks for your kind remembrance. 
Yours truly, 
To Albert Welles, Esq. JOHN P. TOWNSEND. 

Palmtba, January 24, 1875. 
Albert Welles, Esq. : 

My Dear Sir : — With pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your beauti- 
ful "sacred poem," the " Life of Jesus." You have so beautifully illus- 
trated each event from the cradle to the grave, that it must have required 
a devoted mind and a Christian heart to produce so charming a work. 

Please accept my thanks for the kind remembrance, not the less valued 
by reaching me through the hand of an esteemed friend. 
Yours truly, 

W. B. GILBERT. 

Fanwood, N. J. Jan. 25, 1875 
I must confess, tears frequently filled my eyes at many of the tender, 
and towards the close of the work, solemn passages. I earnestly hope 
that it may command the attention of both children and adults, edifying 
and instructing them. In any event there will ever remain for yourself 
the sweet consciousness of having wrou ht a good wor.;, and the extreme 
pleasure and gratification arising therefrom, will always spring up in 
your heart, fresh and green, a perpetual source of delight and "a thing of 
joy forever." 

Mrs. A. H. WEST. 

No. 6 West 57th- Street, New York, January 25, 1875. 
Dear Sir:— I received a copy of your poem, and intended to write 
sooner. My hand is sprained from a fall on the ice and it pains me to use 
it even yet, but I was unwilling longer to delay expressing my thanks. 

Yours truly, 
Albert Welles, Esq. THEODORE ROOSEVELT, 



Vi 

Pittsburgh, Pa., January 26, 1875. 
Mr Dear Mr. Welles : 

Accept my cordial thanks for your beautiful book, "Jesus the Messiah." 
I have read it with both pleasure and surprise — pleasure at the easy flow 
of the paraphrase, and surprise at finding my friend to be, what I never 
expected him to be — a poet. Permit me to congratulate you on entering 
this new field of enterprise, and wish you in it all possible success. 

Yours truly, 

JOHN HARPER. 



Grosvenor House, New York, January 26, 1875. 
Mi Dear Mr. Welles : 

I have received your beautifully illustrated book of poems entitled 
" The Life of Jesus." I have already read parts of it with unusual inter- 
est, and consider it a production of great value. No pains should be 
spared to introduce it into schools and families. As a book to study, by 
children, it is unsurpassed. Hoping you will be amply rewarded by its 
obtaining a wide circulation, and receiving an appreciation to which it is 
fully entitled, by every one, and thanking you for your kind remembrance, 
I have the honor to remain, 

Very truly, your friend, 

HENRY CLEWS. 



No. Ill East 19th St.. New York, Jan. 26, 1875. 
My Dear Sir :— You have very kindly sent me a copy of your " Life of 
Jesus " in verse. Accept my thanks and believe that I appreciate your 
gift. I have four little children who will soon be of an age to understand, 
and, I hope, profit by your effort to make that life of all lives, the noblest 
and purest, attractive and pleasant to them. If so, you will have aided a 
father in attaining that which he most wishes for the children of his love. 

Very faithfully yours, 
To Albert Welles, Esq. WM. T. SABINE. 

No. 12 East 37th Street, New York, January 29, 1875. 
Dear Sir:— I have examined and perused your book on the "Life of 
Jesus, the Messiah," with great pleasure, and think it especially well 
adapted to the young. 

Yours truly, 

Albert Welles, Esq. ALEX. VAN RENSSELAER. 

No. 51 East 25th St., New York, January 3 1875. 
My Dear Author : 

Permit me to return many thanks for the very beautiful copy of the 
"Life of Jesus," received a few days since. It is another Bilver lock 
added to the many which already adorn the author's good works. 

Yours sincerely, 
To Albert Welles, Esq. L. G. BARTLETT. 



No. 46 Park Ave., New York, Jan. 31, 1875. 
Dear Mr. Welles : 
I have received and examined your book with a friendly interest. 
I wish to thank you for the volume, and to congratulate you on the style 
in which the book is brought out. It is exceedingly well done, and if you 
had gone the world over you could not have found illustrations worthier 
of your text, or the subject of your text. 

I am yours very truly, 

J. G. HOLLAND. 



vii 

No. 3 West 21st Street, New York, 1 February, 1875. 
Dear Sir:— I beg you to accept my thanks for the "Life of Jesus, the 
Messiah." 

I shall avail myself of my earliest leisure hours to read it, and do not 
doubt that I shall derive great satisfaction from its perusal. 

I am, dear sir, very truly yours, 
Albert Welles, Esq. JOHN A. DIX. 

From the Baptist Union. 

New York, February 2, 1875. 
" Brother Albert Welles advertises an attractive and useful book for 
children, on another page, entitled " The Life of Jesus, the Messiah.' It 
is a poem, profusely and tastefully illustrated. The story flows sweetly 
and smoothly along, bringing out the incidents iu the Saviour's life and 
ministry in a manner exactly fitted to fasten them upon the memory of 
children. Much of the Bible was originally written in poetry, and this 
work is a successful attempt to render the New Testament narrative as 
attractive as the old prophets made their wonderful messages. The book 
is a work of art in composition, illustration and typography." 

Wodenethe. Fishkill-on-Hodson, N. Y.,3 Feb., 1875 
My Dear Sir :— Many thanks for your beautiful book ;. .1 the kind note 
which accompanied it. 

Your book can hardly fail to be a great success, as I am sure it contains 
every element, inside and out, to make it most acceptable. 

Yours, obliged, 
Albert Welles, Esq. HENRY WINTHROP SARGENT 

Boston, Mass., February 5, 1875. 
Deai Sir :— The perusal of your beautiful poem, " The Life of Jesus,' 
has afforded me and my family great pleasure. It is easy, terse and flow- 
in"- in its style, and comprehends in a clear and interesting manner the 
-real fundamental truths of the gospel of our blessed Saviour. I consider 
it a valuable acquisition to Sunday Literature, and especially worthy of a 
place in our Sabbath School Libraries. 

Yours sincerely, 
Mr. Albert Welles. MARSHALL P. WILDER. 

From the Christian Intelligencer, New York, Feb. 11, 1875. 

The intention of the author of this book is eminently praisewor thy 
because «• poetry is the native tongue of childhood," and because " every 
subject is more easily and readily comprehended by youth and is of more 
lasting interest when clothed in poetic language," because he is also 
convinced that "the youthful reader finds it impossible to trace the clear 
stream of narrative in the four gospels" where "the Saviour's life is only 
presented in a fragmentary manner," he has written the " Life of Jesus" in 
rhyme for young readers, and has tried to overcome the difficulty above 
referred to "by making the narrative clear because continuous." 

Considered from a moral or religious point of view, there is not a word 
in which dying, the writer might wi^h to blot. Its religious and moral 
teaching? are commendable. 

No. 76 University Place, New York, Feb. 11, 1875. 

Albert Welles, Esq : 

My Dear Sir :-I have examined with much satisfaction your sacred poem 
for children, entitled "The Life of Jesus, the Messiah," and think that it 
cannot fail to accomplish the object which you have in view, and for its 
success, you have the best wishes of, 

Yours truly, 

FREDERIC DePEYSTER 



Vlll 

No. 51 Seventh Ave., New York, Feb. 12, 1875. 
I have read both with pleasure and profit, "The Life of Jesus, the 
Messiah," by Albert Welles. It is a truthful and consecutive narrative, 
in verse, of all the prominent incidents in our Saviour's life on earth ; 
also his death, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. It is novel and 
unique, and illustrated as it is, with beautiful engravings, it cannot fail 
to make a deep and salutary impression, especially upon the young. 

(Rev.) S. D. BURCHARD. 

From the New York School Journal, Feb. 13, 1875. 
The Life or Jesus the Messiah; a Sacred Poem for Children. Albert 

Welles: New York. 

The author of the poem in this handsome book has done the world a 
real good. This work will have a large sale, because it is one that wilj 
benefit every one that reads it. He does not propose to invent, that was 
already done. He versifies the Gospel for children, giving, as nearly as 
possible, the very words of the narrative. 

No one could be a better judge than Mr. Bryant, who writes a very 
complimentary letter to the author, as may be seen in another part of 
this paper. 

We shall present some of these poems to the readers of the Journal. 

No. 54 E. 25th St. New York, Feb. 18, 1875. 
My Dear Sir:— I congratulate you upon a triple enjoyment, viz.: the 
knowledge that you will give children pleasure and benefit : the exercise 
of your power in poetic composition on a religious subject, and a rich 
reward for your useful labor. 

Yours very truly, 

W. F. HOLCOMBB. 



Cornwall, Ontario, Feb. 20, 1875. 
I have the beautifully illustrated book, of which I am happy to see you 
are the author. I find the style engaging, and I feel confident the work 
will meet with the favor it deserves. 

I appreciate it very much, and am exceedingly gratified in being the 
possessor of it. 

Yours truly, 

helen Mcdonald. 

From the Methodist, New York, Feb. 20, 1875. 
We have had numerous lives of Christ, written from all points of view, 
considering all sides of the Saviour's nature and character, and all alike 
in the respect that they are vastly inferior to the four Gospels. We have 
now one in Rhyme. "The Lile of Jesus the Messiah." A Sacred Poem, by 
Albert Welles, illustrated by numerous full page engravings. The author 
quotes from several authorities in behalf of poetry as an effective instru- 
ment for imparting instruction, and explains that he has written for young 
readers. He has written wholly from the Gospels, but has harmonized 
them so as to produce a continous narrative. The poetry is not of the 
highest order, but is creditable in view of its purpose . The illustrations 
are good. 

No. 59 E. 21st St., New York City, Feb. 25, 1875. 

Dear Sir: -After such a testimonial as you have received from William 
Cullen Bryant, it would be presumption for any lesser man to criticise, 
and a work of supererogation to praise. 

All I can do is to say that your work is most attractive in its appearance, 
and the subject one which must possess an interest, in that it treats of 
the only Exemplar who will bear the test of all ages. 

Very respectfully yow Ob't. Serv't. 

J. WATTS dePBYSTJJR. 



From the New York Evening Mail, March 1, 1875. 
Life of the Messiah in Verse. 
" The Life of Jesus the Messiah," is the title of a sacred poem by Albert 
Welles, of this city, a copy of which has reached us. In this composition 
the author has, with a considerable degree of success, attempted to make 
a metrical paraphrase from the Gospels, of a Life of Him who went about 
doing good, who loved and welcomed little children, and whose biography 
must always be the one most appropriate for youth to read. The narra- 
tive, as presented in smoothly flowing verse by Mr. Welles, will commend 
itself to young minds, and possibly impress upon them religious truth 
where Bible reading might prove ineffective. The book is attractively got- 
ten up, and is calculated to excite and interest the minds of children in 
the study of the New Testament. In the prosecution of what must have 
been his labor of love, Mr. Welles has received, we notice, the cordial en- 
couragement of the poet Bryant, Chancellor Crosby, and other well known 
men, whose favorable opinions are worth having. The "Life of Jesus" is 
illustrated with more than twenty full page engravings, most ot which are 
familiar to those accustomed to Pictoral Bibles. 

From the Mothers Magazine, New York, March, 1875. 
The Life of Jesus the Messiah, a sacred poem, copiously illustrated; by 

Albert Welles, 67 University Place, New York. 

There will never be an end to the good things said and written con- 
cerning that greatest and most beautiful of all characters, and the ear 
will never tire of hearing about the Blessed Saviour. The prominent 
facts of such a life, and the elementary truths of the religion conveyed, 
cannot be too early impressed on the mind ; and whoever has the pious 
enthusiasm to create new interest, and add new lustre to the narrative of 
that life — whu can excite in the youthful heart a love of the Blessed Sav- 
iour, and an abiding memory of His Holy life, may be considered a 
benefactor. To do this successfully the language employed must be easy 
of comprehension, and not far beneath the dignity of the sacred theme. 

In the volume before us, Mr. Welles has been mainly successful in his 
difficult task. He has seized upon the prominent features of the Saviour's 
life, and woven them into a continous narrative. He has called to his aid 
pictorial embellishments of a better class than are usually found in such 
books ; and these help to fix such teachings deeply and permanently in 
the heart. There is so much to commend that we must thank Mr. Welles 
for the pious work he has done. More than thirty years since Mr. Hewitt 
published an English edition of acharming "History of our Blessed Lord" 
in verse, and now we heartily welcome this volume of Mr. Welles, and 
bespeak for it the same kindly interest, as that with which it was 
undertaken. 

Auburn, Ind. March 13th, 1875. 
I think you have succeeded in your poetical " Life of Christ," in telling the 
true story in harmonious verse- — a story that can never lose its interest while 
the world lasts, and I hope you will gain fame, and find the venture profitable. 
Yours Respectfully, 

Mrs. MARY W. MOTT. 

From the Neiv 1 'ork School Journal, March ijih, 1875. 
In our last we called the attention of our readers to the beautiful poem late- 
ly published by Mr. Albert Welles, of University Place," The Life of Jesus 
the Messiah." We have been informed that Mr. Welles has had a large ex- 
perience as a writer, and has for over twenty years written more or less, but 
never published any of his numerous works until lately. It will interest our 
eaders to learn what he has done. For about fourteen years he was engaged 



in compiling an immense work, (now ■■^anuscript) styled a "Genealogical 
Chronology of the World before Christ,"~covcring about three reams of paper, 
which we have seen at the Rooms of the "American College of Heraldry," of 
which Institution he is President. For divines and laymen this is very useful 
and probably unique. All questions of genealogy and chronology of the An- 
cient World may be settled thereby conclusively. It is an exceedingly valua- 
ble work of reference on such subjects. His poetic works for the instruction of 
children are numerous and very valuable. " Travels in Space," a poem of near 
two thousand stanzas, embraces the whole science of Astronomy in the form of 
travels, and thus Astronomy is made easy to the youthful mind, as it is a narra- 
tive of the adventures of a traveler to and upon all the planetary worlds, as. 
tronomically and philosophically correct. His "Parables of the Bible, and Fables 
of Life" — two of which we published some weeks ago — are exceedingly interest- 
ing and instructive to the young. His object in all his writings has been pre- 
eminently good, as all of his works are very instructive as well as interesting, 
and convey good morals and religious teaching for the improvement of youth. 
It is evident that the design of Mr. Welles is to supplant the trashy and false 
literature that has for so long a time flooded the country as "Children's picture 
Books," "Children's Story Books," &c. It is a lamentable fact that parents buy 
these books for their children to buy peace. They give a book to the child 
to keep it quiet and send it away to look it over because it is so silly they can- 
not endure to read it to the child. In this way a vast amount of evil is done, as 
the natural thirst for knowledge is so great among children that they read with 
avidity and cherish with credulity a large amount of falsehood, which must 
afterwards be eradicated from their minds. It is better a thousand times to 
give them true literature arranged in attractive form, and thus they may 
imbibe truth from the start, and the parent need not to be ashamed to read to 
their children the books they buy, if they will select such as the " Life of the 
Saviour," illustrated, and such other books as we have mentioned above. 



No. 579 Fifth Ave., New York, Mar. 20, 1875. 
Albert Welles, Esq: 

Dear Sir: — I have read with much satisfaction your poetic relation of tl)P 
"Life of Christ," a copy of which you were kind enough to present me. 

It seems to me a most felicitous translation into smooth and flowing verse o£ 
the leading incidents of His life as recorded in the Bible. 

I read it aloud to m y family, all of whom were greatly pleased with it. 

Yours very truly, 

GEORGE OPDYKE. 

No. 154 West nth St., New York March 23, 1875. 
Dear Mr. Welles : 

Your poem "The Life of the Messiah" with the striking illustrations, is a 
publication of decided value in my judgment, and it is none the less to be 
prized because the verses are simple and unaffected, and tell so truly the sacred 
Story which is their theme. 

I am sure that the book will do good and only good, and I wish it success. 
With the best wishes, 

SAMUEL OSGOOD. 

From Moore's Sural Ntio Yorker, April 3, 1875. 
This is a finely printed and illustrated octavo of modest size, but attractive in 
externals and contents. It is a remarkable work in some respects, and will not 
only attract the attention and perusal of the young, but the seniors, and even 
theologians, will find interest and merit in its pages. Unlike authors who have 
made "bulky volumes, too large to be interesting, on the theme, Mr. Welles has 
given the whole beautiful story of our Saviour's Life in language as simple as 
children require, yet the dignity of the subject is maintained, while the origi- 
nal text of the New Testament has been adhered to in a remarkable manner. 
Although the narrative is continuous, it is divided into short sections with appro- 
priate titles, inr convenience and adaptability to the youthful reader. This is 
a happy and ori- i*in 1 idea, as the storv desi ribes the pintes and the plates illus- 
trate the story, page by page — nearly half the book consisting of plates from the 
illustrated Bibles. 



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